Chapter 15 - Ethan Was Offered a Choice He Could Not Outsource
The criminal case placed Ethan in impossible position.
His mother’s lawyers hinted he could support her.
“Family understanding.”
He refused.
Then prosecution subpoenaed him.
He came to my house one evening after ultrasound.
I was twenty weeks.
Our daughter had just kicked hard enough for him to feel.
Yes.
A girl.
When technician said it, Ethan cried.
Not because he wanted boy.
Because for ten years we had wanted any child.
He rested hand on my belly.
Then pulled away as if afraid he had taken too much.
“I got subpoena.”
“I know.”
“They want texts with Mom.”
“Yes.”
“There are things I’m ashamed of.”
“I know.”
“I complained about you.”
“I’m sure.”
“I called you obsessive.”
“You said it to my face too.”
He winced.
“I told her sometimes I wished we’d never started fertility treatment.”
That hurt.
“Did you?”
“Sometimes.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I knew it would destroy you.”
“So you told her.”
“Yes.”
“And she used it.”
“Yes.”
Silence.
Then:
“If I testify honestly, it hurts her.”
“Yes.”
“If I protect her…”
“You commit your own choices.”
He nodded.
“I’m testifying.”
Good.
That was adulthood.
May you like
Not choosing wife over mother.
Choosing truth over allegiance.
