When I Returned from the Hospital with Our Newborn, My Husband Had Changed the Locks – Twenty Hours Later, He Showed Up, Pounding and Screaming
“No, Penny, he locked you out with a newborn. That’s not just cruel; it’s illegal.”
I told her everything.
Ray had been there. He’d held our daughter, cried, and kissed my forehead. He’d even told me he loved me.
“Something’s wrong,” I said softly. “This doesn’t add up.”
Vanessa looked at me like I was in shock. “Penny…”
“Just give me tonight, Van,” I said. “One night. Then we’ll figure it out.”
I didn’t sleep.
He’d held our daughter.
The baby woke every two hours to nurse, and each time I stared at the ceiling wondering what I’d done wrong. What I’d missed. Why my husband had turned into a stranger overnight.
Texted twice. No response.
By five in the morning, I’d made my decision. I’d go back with Vanessa, pack my things, and figure out how to be a single mother.
I stared at the ceiling wondering what I’d done wrong.
I wasn’t going to beg someone to want me.
Then, just around noon, someone started pounding on Vanessa’s door.
I heard my sister’s footsteps, then her voice, sharp and furious.
“Get out of here, Ray! You should be ashamed of yourself!”
I wasn’t going to beg someone to want me.
I stood up, the baby in my arms and walked to the doorway.
Vanessa was blocking the entrance, arms crossed. Ray looked like he hadn’t slept. His hair was a mess. His shirt had paint streaks on it.
“Penny!” He saw me, and his whole face crumpled with relief. “Please. I need you to come with me. Right now.”
“Are you insane?” Vanessa snapped. “You locked her out with a newborn!”
“I know how it looks. But please. Ten minutes. Just trust me.”
Ray looked like he hadn’t slept.
