Chapter 2

The pain didn't stop that night.

I found the medicine my obstetrician had prescribed and swallowed two tablets with cold bottled water. Beyond the thin wall, our friends were laughing in the lounge. I could hear Chloe and Julian above everyone else.

He came in after midnight carrying the tea.

"Still mad?" he asked. His palm touched my forehead. "You're freezing. Why didn't you tell me you weren't feeling well?"

I had. More than once.

For a moment his warmth almost persuaded me that the husband I loved was still somewhere inside him. He helped me sit up and lifted the cup to my lips.

Then his phone rang—the ringtone he had reserved for Chloe.

He set the cup down instantly.

"Her window won't close. I'll take a look. Drink this and get some sleep."

"Julian," I said, catching his sleeve, "could you stay? Just tonight?"

"Don't wait up."

The door closed behind him. Cold air washed over the bed, and the steam faded from the cup. I never touched it.

By three in the morning, dull cramps had sharpened into waves of pain. Blood soaked through my clothes.

I called Julian. No answer. Again. No answer.

On the fifth attempt, Chloe picked up.

"Emma? Julian fell asleep on my couch. He was exhausted. Don't worry, nothing happened. You can tell him what you need in the morning, okay?"

She hung up before I could answer.

I moved slowly to the bathroom sink, cleaned myself as best I could, and pressed towels against the bleeding. Every movement hurt. I lay down again with one hand on my stomach.

At breakfast, Mark's wife stared at me.

"Emma, you look terrible."

"I'm ending the trip early," I said. "You all go on without me."

Julian looked up from the couch, holding the same travel mug Chloe had used.

"What are you starting now?"