He nodded immediately.
“I know. And it will never happen again.”
The following week, Daniel accompanied me to the doctor at my request.
The tests revealed that the heaviness and changes in my abdomen were caused by a health condition that required treatment but could be managed.
Dr. Miller explained the treatment plan and told us that seeking medical attention in time was important.
Then I told her the whole truth.
She listened carefully before speaking.
“Emily, your husband’s anxiety has a reason, but that doesn’t justify taking photographs without your consent. It’s good that the two of you have finally talked about it. What’s important now is that he respects your boundaries, and that you stop hiding your symptoms just to keep him from worrying.”
Three months later, I was standing in our backyard again.
I was wearing the same pink swimsuit.
The one I hadn’t dared to wear for thirteen years.
