Their words were slow poison, wrapping around Darren’s mind. He came home later, smelling faintly of beer, conversations becoming short and tired. When I shared good news about my Etsy shop, he’d nod distractedly. “That’s nice.”

Then came the doctor’s appointment that changed everything. Darren joined me reluctantly. As the ultrasound screen flickered, the doctor smiled. “Congratulations, you’re having twins.” Two heartbeats echoed, fast and beautiful. Tears filled my eyes. Darren squeezed my hand, smiling nervously, but his fingers went stiff.