“With words.”
“What did he say?”
“He said the baby could have Down syndrome.”
Her sentences became slower.
“He said he did not want two people like me.”
I felt sick.
“He said that?”
“Yes.”
“Clara, that was cruel.”
“He said I could not raise a baby.”
“Did you believe him?”
“At first.”
She stared at the blanket.
“Then I told my support worker. She said I need help, but lots of mothers need help.”
“That’s true.”
“Ethan said the same.”
“What happened to Julian?”
“He took money. He said we needed a house.”
“How did he get access to your money?”
“I signed papers.”
“Did you understand them?”
“No.”
She looked ashamed.
“He talked fast. He said I was too slow.”
“That was not your fault.”
“I should have asked for help.”
“He should not have lied to you.”
Clara nodded, but I could see she still blamed herself.
“Did Ethan help you report him?”
“Yes. Ethan found a lawyer. The lawyer talks slowly.”
“That’s good.”
“Julian came back.”
I looked at her.
“When?”
“Two months ago.”
“Why?”
“He wanted money.”
“Did he threaten you?”
“He said he would tell everyone Ethan was using me.”
“Did you tell Ethan?”
“Some of it.”
“Why not all of it?”
“Julian said he would hurt him.”
“You were afraid.”
“Yes.”
She touched her belly.
“I make bad choices sometimes.”
