I felt a sense of betrayal wash over me, as profound as the pain that intermittently tightened my abdomen. It was as if my needs were relegated to the background of an ongoing family drama where I was never meant to play a leading role. Their indifference stung more because it was not a surprise; it was merely a confirmation of what I had always known but had hoped wasn’t true. I was alone in this.
With shaky hands, I retrieved my phone from my pocket. My fingers trembled as I opened the Uber app and requested a ride. I could feel tears welling up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Not here. Not in front of them.
I didn’t bother to speak again as I made my way to the front door, another contraction forcing me to pause and brace myself against the wall. My parents and Isabelle continued their preparations as if nothing had happened. As I stepped out, the Uber pulled up to the curb, and I shuffled over to it, my breaths shallow and rapid.
