the one whose body had lost the pregnancy.
But Sylvia’s concern centered entirely on Ethan.
I said nothing.
At the time, I told myself I was protecting my marriage.
I understood grief professionally.
I understood that people responded imperfectly.
I convinced myself Sylvia simply didn’t know how to offer comfort to anyone who wasn’t her son.
So I chose not to fight that battle.
Years later, I would understand the mistake.
Avoiding conflict does not mean conflict disappears.
Sometimes it only means the problem remains hidden long enough to grow.
