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Tom had always described himself as realistic, practical, unemotional. He believed feelings were something you managed quietly, not something you let spill into the world. For years, I’d accepted that as part of who he was. But in that moment, standing there watching a pregnant woman crumble under the weight of abandonment, his attitude felt less like practicality and more like a complete lack of compassion.
He didn’t argue. He didn’t need to. He just looked back down at his phone, already disengaged.
I didn’t wait for approval.
I opened the front door and stepped outside.
Sarah looked up when she heard it open. Her eyes were red and swollen, her face flushed with embarrassment as much as grief. She looked like she wanted to apologize for being seen at all.
Before she could say anything, I crossed the porch and wrapped my arms around her.
She hesitated for a second—then collapsed into me.
Her sobs came in heavy waves, shaking both of us. I didn’t rush her. I didn’t ask questions. I didn’t offer solutions. I just stood there and held her while she cried, letting her release what she clearly hadn’t been able to hold in any longer.
Eventually, her breathing slowed. She pulled back slightly, wiping her face with her sleeve.
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