Chapter 3: The Return Home
Several hours later, I opened my eyes in the intensive maternity ward.
A doctor smiled gently.
"Your twins are here."
Tears filled my eyes.
"They're alive?"
"Yes."
"A little early, but they're fighters."
The babies would spend some time in the neonatal intensive care unit, but doctors were optimistic.
Relief overwhelmed me.
Then Detective Harris entered the room.
"The paramedics documented everything," he said.
"Your neighbor explained that your husband knowingly left while you were in active labor."
I quietly told him the entire story.
Every word.
Every refusal.
Every warning they ignored.
The hospital social worker helped me understand my legal options and arranged for my statement to be taken after I had rested.
That evening, Travis, Deborah, and his younger sister returned home carrying shopping bags and laughing about their purchases.
The laughter stopped the moment they stepped inside.
The front door was broken.
The living room was empty except for overturned cushions, medical wrappers, and dried footprints left by emergency responders.
A police evidence marker still sat near the sofa where I had collapsed.
On the dining table lay a single envelope.
Travis opened it.
Inside was a brief note.
"The homeowner was transported by emergency medical services after neighbors reported a medical emergency. Please contact the hospital. A police report has been filed."
His face lost all color.
"What...?"
Deborah looked around nervously.
"This... this isn't possible."
At that moment, two uniformed officers knocked on the open doorway.
"Mr. Travis Miller?"
"Yes."
May you like
"We need to speak with you regarding today's incident."
The shopping bags slipped from his hands.
