Doctor John.

Selene’s POV 

Maybe tonight would finally change everything.

I’d counted the days on my calendar. I had watched my cycle. I’d done everything I could think of.

Tonight was supposed to be different. Maybe I would finally give Tom the son he had always wanted. 

But now, Tom was already getting dressed.

"You can go now,” Tom said. He didn’t even look at me. 

I watched him slip on his clothes, just like any other day. He hadn’t even acknowledged what we had just done. 

A lump formed in my throat. I didn’t want to be alone. Not tonight. 

"Can't I sleep here tonight?” I swallowed. “I really miss sleeping next to you.”

He didn't even look at me. “No.”

"Why?" I asked.

Then he turned. “When you are finally able to give me an heir, then we can consider that.”

"But you know it's not my fault,” I winced.

"Then whose fault is it, Selene, mine?”

The room went silent.

"We would be going to see Dr. John tomorrow," he muttered.

I jolted up in bed. My eyes widened. It was like I had heard it from someone else and not him.

The last time I’d suggested seeing a fertility specialist, Tom had nearly exploded.

What are you suggesting, Selene? That there might be something wrong with me?

He had refused to get tested.

So why was he suddenly willing to see Dr. John?

I shuddered at the memory.

"Really?" I asked.

"Be ready by nine. I have a lot to do tomorrow,” he said.

My lips parted to speak.

I wanted to tell him that tomorrow was our anniversary. I had spent a few months preparing. 

I even bought a dress he once told me would look beautiful on me. 

But then his phone vibrated on the dresser. 

He picked it up so fast; it always made me wonder who was calling. 

He smiled when he saw the number on the screen.

He never smiled like that with me.

A dull ache settled in my chest. Maybe if I gave him a son, he would finally love me. 

"Hello. How are you doing?” He whispered into the receiver and walked towards the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

I strained to hear. 

“I was really busy today.”

Then a chuckle. 

Soon enough, the sound of his voice got drained out by the shower. 

I stared at the closed door.

Whoever was on the other end of that phone had a part of my husband I had never been allowed to see.

I guess our conversation was over.

The next morning I called in the babysitter.

Amira stayed home; she was running a temperature, and I needed to keep an eye on her.

"Daddy! Can you give me a kiss?” Amira yelled, stretching her arms out to Tom before he walked out the door.

He leaned just enough for Amira to hear.

"Daddy doesn't do kisses, Amira. Meet your mother,” he said.

I watched Amira’s smile drop.

The babysitter did too.

"Hurry up, Selene,” Tom said, then walked out the door.

I carried Amira into my arms and hugged her tightly.

"Daddy is just in a rush, sweetheart, but I would give you all the kisses you want.” I planted kisses all over her face. 

She giggled. “Stop, Mum, it’s too much.”

"You deserve it, my princess.” I planted a kiss for the last time and handed her to the babysitter.

"Please take care of her; if anything happens, give me a call,” I muttered.

"You have nothing to worry about, ma'am.” She flashed a smile.

"Bye, Mum,” Amira called out as I walked out the door.

"Bye, princess,” I called out.

Immediately I got into the car. Tom rolled his eyes and started the engine.

"You pamper that girl Wey too much,” he said.

"She's your daughter too, Tom,” I muttered.

He said nothing, adjusting the rearview mirror as he drove out.

I turned the other way, looking out the window.

I knew it was a lie, but I wanted him to love her just like I did.

We drove in silence till he finally pulled up at the hospital gate.

Doctor John was a man whose face was greased with years of experience; he didn't talk much when we told him why we came.

Tom and I were taken to separate rooms for the examinations.

After the examination, we sat by the reception.

"Wait here; this might take a few hours,” the nurse said before spinning on her heels and walking off.

Tom's phone vibrated again, another quick smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. I stared at my hands; they wouldn’t stop trembling.

The room felt oddly cold.

I glanced at him, but he seemed oblivious of my unease.

"Tom?" I whispered.

"Huh?" he answered.

"Have you forgotten what today is?”

"What?" he muttered; he didn’t even lift his eyes from the screen.

I sighed.

My chest tightened. “Did you really forget?” 

"I don't have time for games, Selene,” he snapped.

I swallowed the sting and leaned back in my chair slowly. “Never mind then.”

He kept typing. Smiling and typing again.

We stayed that way for another hour.

Then finally the door swung open.

The nurse stepped in. Her expression was not giving anything away.

"Mr. and Mrs. Harold, you may come in; the doctor’s waiting.”

I stood up first, my body trembling as we walked in.

The doctor looked at his note.

"Have a seat,” he said, gesturing to the chairs in front of his desk.

"Well, Doctor, we trust in your expertise and hope you have good news for us,” Tom said.

I clutched my bag, hugging it closer to my chest.

He clasped his hands together. 

The doctor looked at Tom, then at me.

“Mrs. Harold, there's something you need to know about your results.”