The Missed Appointment
296 Words
The final straw came during her seventh-month checkup. Aurora had reminded Sebastian about the appointment multiple times, even leaving a note on his desk. But as she sat in the doctor’s office, her hands resting on her growing belly, the chair beside her remained empty.
She texted him:
“Are you on your way? I need you here.”
No response.
Her doctor walked in moments later, all smiles. “Ready to see your little one today?”
Aurora nodded, forcing a smile. But as the ultrasound image flickered onto the screen, tears stung her eyes. She wanted Sebastian to be there to see their baby, to share in the wonder of the tiny life they had created.
When she got home, she found him in his study, his tie loosened and a drink in hand. He barely glanced up as she entered.
“How was the appointment?” he asked, his tone casual.
Aurora stared at him, disbelief washing over her. “You didn’t even check your phone.”
Sebastian frowned. “I was in meetings all day—”
“I needed you!” she shouted, her voice breaking. “This wasn’t just another doctor’s appointment, Sebastian. This was about our child. Your child.”
He stood, his expression hardening. “Do you think I don’t care? Do you think I’m not doing everything I can for this family?”
“Caring means being there,” Aurora said, tears streaming down her face. “Not just throwing money at the problem. Not just saying the right things. It means showing up.”
Sebastian stared at her for a long moment, his jaw tight. “I’m doing this for us,” he said quietly before walking past her, leaving her standing alone in the hallway.
- Writer
