When I woke up, I found myself in the hospital. I touched my flat stomach, a tear trailing down my cheek. The nurse came in to change my bandages, noticing I was awake. She offered some consolation, “Ms. Clark, don’t be too sad. You’re still young, and you’ll have more children.”

I shook my head, remaining silent. Only I knew that my children no longer wanted me. I wasn't a good mother, so they had all abandoned me.

As the nurse left, James entered the room. His steps were heavy, his clothes unchanged since that day, with bloodstains on the sleeves now dry, his unkempt appearance reflecting days of neglect....