Chapter 2 – The Truth No One Expected
The emergency room confirmed what Maya had been hiding.
Severe dehydration.
Dangerously elevated blood pressure.
Exhaustion caused by prolonged physical strain.
The obstetrician looked directly at Marcus.
"Has she been resting?"
Maya lowered her eyes.
Marcus already knew the answer.
The doctor continued.
"At six months pregnant, she should not be lifting heavy objects, cleaning after multiple adults, or carrying a sick toddler around the clock."
Marcus closed his eyes for a moment.
Every dirty dish.
Every overflowing trash bag.
Every grocery run.
Every load of laundry.
His mother and sister had watched Maya do it all.
The pediatrician entered moments later.
Lily had pneumonia.
She would need to stay overnight for observation.
Marcus felt sick.
He had accepted an overseas business trip because Brenda insisted she wanted to "help Maya."
Instead...
His wife had nearly collapsed.
His daughter had become seriously ill.
And the people who promised to care for them had spent their days ordering takeout and watching television.
When Maya finally fell asleep beside Lily's hospital bed, Marcus quietly stepped into the hallway.
His phone rang.
It was Brenda.
"You embarrassed me," she snapped before he could speak.
Marcus answered calmly.
"No, Mom."
May you like
"You embarrassed yourself."
Then he hung up.
