I nodded, tears streaming down my cheeks.
‘I can’t believe he left us, Dad,’ I said. ‘How could he choose her over us? Is our life really going to be like this forever? If this was a true emergency, then I’d understand. But this?’
‘Dave will have to live with that decision,’ my father replied. ‘But you’re strong, and you have people who love you. We’ll get through this.’
Later, when it was clear that Gabby and I were fine, healthy and ready to be discharged, my dad drove us to his house.
When Dave finally got to the hospital, we were gone. He wrote and called, but I didn’t answer.
Instead, I left Gloria a letter for Dave. My dad never left the house without his laptop, either.
‘Dad, do you have a flash drive?’ I asked him before I left.
‘Sure,’ he said, searching through his laptop bag. ‘Why?’
‘I’m going to save the video of the birth on it and leave it here for Dave.’
Dad looked at me carefully and then nodded.
‘Please just give him this letter and the flash drive,’ I told her as we got ready to leave.
The letter read:
Dear Dave,
This is what you missed. This is the moment you chose to miss. I needed you more than ever, and you abandoned me. Our daughter deserved to have both of her parents by her side in the first few minutes of her birth. This video shows strength and resilience that you will never see in person.
I hope you realise the pain and disappointment you have caused. Maybe now you will understand the sacrifices of being a husband and father.
-Aria and Gaby
A few days later, my father invited the closest family members to introduce Gabrielle. I didn’t invite Dave. I knew it was a cold gesture, but I didn’t want to see him.
He showed up at my father’s house anyway, looking remorseful and desperate.
‘Please, let me explain,’ he said, his voice shaking as he approached me.
I crossed my arms and stared at the man I had married.
‘Explain what? That you think groceries are more important than having a daughter?’
‘I’m sorry, Aria,’ he said. ‘I was torn between you and my mum. And I didn’t know what to do. I chose wrong. Please forgive me. I’ll do anything to make it right.’
‘You abandoned me at the most vulnerable moment of my life, Dave,’ I said, trying to keep my voice steady. ‘How can I trust you after that?’
‘I know I messed up,’ he said. ‘I know I hurt you. But I want to make it right.’
I refused to speak.
‘I hate myself for it,’ he said. ‘I’ll never forgive myself. Please let me be there for you and our daughter. Let me prove that I can be the father she deserves.’
‘This is your only chance, Dave,’ I said. ‘You have to show me, not just tell me, that you can be the man we need,’ I said firmly.
He nodded vigorously.
‘I swear, Aria, I’ll never let you down again.’
One night as we were putting our daughter to bed, Dave turned to me, his eyes full of sincerity.
‘I know I’ve said this before, but I’m really sorry. I don’t want to miss another moment.’
I know my husband has already apologised, but I’m still waiting for my mother-in-law to apologise too.
What would you do?