At 38, I Secretly Went to the Doctor Without Telling My Husband. While Examining My Large Belly, She Asked, “Why Haven’t You Been Able to Have Children for 18 Years?” I Replied, “My Husband Always Says My Body Is to Blame.” The Doctor Suddenly Became Serious. “Has He Ever Forced You to Do Something You Didn’t Want to Do?” I Whispered, “Yes… Every Night, for 18 Years.” When I Explained What My Husband Had Been Doing to Me, the Doctor Turned Pale, Locked the Door, and Asked, “Does He Know You’re Here?” I Said No. But What She Told Me Next Was More Than I Could Bear…

“She said my body isn’t necessarily to blame just because you think it is.”

His eyes filled with tears.

“Sarah, there’s something I should have told you years ago.”

My heart began pounding.

“What is it?”

Michael sat down.

“Do you remember when I was hospitalized three years after our wedding?”

I nodded.

“Afterward, I underwent some medical tests. The doctors told me my illness might have affected my ability to have children.”

I felt dizzy.

“You knew?”

“They weren’t certain. I was supposed to undergo more tests.”

“Then why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I was afraid you’d leave me.”

I stared at him.

“So instead, you let me blame myself for eighteen years?”

He began sobbing.

“I was a coward, Sarah. Every time I wanted to confess, I couldn’t find the courage.”

“And what about those nights? Why did you make me repeat those words?”