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What’s going on?
I dial Robin's number, the suspense growing with each ring. Finally, she picks up, her voice subdued on the other end.
"Hey, where are you?" I ask, trying to keep the concern out of my tone.
"I'm at the doctor's," she replies quietly.
My heart skips a beat. Did she forget I was supposed to come along, too? I look at the time. Her appointment begins in half an hour.
“Is everything alright?” I ask. “I thought we were supposed to go together from here.”
There’s a pause on the line before she speaks again. “It’s fine, Boris. I can handle it myself.”
I don’t know what’s going on with her, but I can feel the ice in her voice over the phone.
“No, Robin. I’m coming, as was planned,” I say, leaving no room for argument. She’s pregnant and hormonal. Maybe she’s just having an off day. I need to keep my emotions in check so I can keep her calm.
“There’s really no need, Bo—”
“I’ll be there in fifteen minutes,” I say, grabbing my coat and keys.
I rush out of the office.
As I rush toward the elevator, I can't help but worry about Robin. She's been working tirelessly, all while carrying our child. The weight on her shoulders is heavy, and I should've been there to help her carry it. But for now, I need to find her and make sure she knows I'm here for her.
***
The roads crawl with traffic, and my fingers are tight on the wheel. Robin tried to keep me away from the appointment, and now worry gnaws at me. Was she upset I'd been distracted at work? Did she not want me there?
No, that doesn't make sense. Robin has been distant lately, though. Irritable and snapping at me. I've chalked it up to stress and hormones, but maybe I've missed something.
I finally arrive at the doctor's office, scanning the waiting room until I spot Robin. She sits rigid in a chair, arms crossed, glaring at the floor.
I walk over and crouch before her. "Robin, what's going on?"
Her gaze flicks up, eyes flashing. "What are you doing here?"
Okay, this is not how I expected it to go. She doesn’t have her usual smile when she greets me. I thought she’d be relieved to see me. No one likes to go to a doctor’s appointment alone.
But she looks like I’m the last person she wants around.
"You didn’t show up to work, and you came here without telling me when we were meant to come together. I was worried." I search her face and take her hands. They feel cold. "Talk to me. Please."
She takes her hands away. “You didn’t need to come.”
My heart lurches to my stomach, and it feels like she’s slapped me across the face. I feel hurt and don’t even know what I have done wrong.
“Robin, please… talk to me,” I urge, seeking an explanation.
She sighs, some of the tension easing from her shoulders. "I'm just tired, Boris."
“I understand,” I say, relieved that she’s finally opening up. “I can just sit beside you, quietly.”
"Look, I’m fine, Boris. You can leave," she replies coldly, still not looking at me.
"Of course I can’t leave, Robin. This involves both of us." I insist, trying to understand what's bothering her. "Is everything okay?"
Her jaw clenches, and I can see the frustration brewing behind her eyes. "It's just… Suzannah might need you at work, and I don’t know how she’d manage without you,” Robin blurts out, bitterness seeping into her tone.
