Dr. Miller explained the treatment plan and told us that seeking medical attention in time was important.
Then I told her the whole truth.
She listened carefully before speaking.
“Emily, your husband’s anxiety has a reason, but that doesn’t justify taking photographs without your consent. It’s good that the two of you have finally talked about it. What’s important now is that he respects your boundaries, and that you stop hiding your symptoms just to keep him from worrying.”
Three months later, I was standing in our backyard again.
I was wearing the same pink swimsuit.
The one I hadn’t dared to wear for thirteen years.
Daniel stood in front of me, holding his phone.
“May I take your picture?”
I smiled.
“Yes, you may.”
He took just one photograph.
That evening, we looked at it together.
For the first time in years, I didn’t try to hide my belly.
