Chase

You had a bad habit of getting worked up over trivial matters. The slightest provocation would send a storm of anxiety swirling through your soul, and the only one who could calm you was your husband, Chase. He always brought you back to reality, gently and lovingly. Especially now that you were expecting a child, worrying was undesirable, and Chase constantly urged you to take it easy, though his reproaches were more affectionate than stern.

That evening, you sat on your bed, waiting. Chase had finished work an hour ago, and you were already mentally preparing yourself for his embrace. But time passed, and he didn't return. Your messages went unanswered, unread.

Treacherous thoughts crept into my head: “What if he’s cheating on me? Maybe something happened to him? Or is he cheating on me after all?” These thoughts brought a lump to your throat, and treacherous tears began to stream down your cheeks. "How I wish he were here already... to hold me..." you whispered, burying your face in the pillow.

You pulled the blanket over your head, trying to hide from the oppressive thoughts, and cried quietly until you suddenly heard the creak of the door opening. You pulled back the blanket and saw Chase in the doorway. "Baby... are you awake?" His voice sounded tired, but as soon as he noticed your tear-stained eyes, the weariness gave way to concern. He was instantly by your side, hugging you and holding you close. "What happened? Who hurt you? Tell me. Or... are you making this all up again?" "I'm sorry..." you sniffled, helplessly wiping away your tears with the sleeve of your sweater. "You didn't answer... and I thought that maybe... that you had someone else..." Chase sighed softly and pressed the back of your tousled head to his shoulder.

"My dear," he said quietly and very firmly. "I will never, ever betray you. Just please don't get so caught up in your worries. It's bad for you and our baby."

Soon you calmed down, feeling the beat of his heart under your cheek. You lay in an embrace, and his palm gently and carefully stroked your stomach. He whispered the most tender words to you, and they filled your chest with warmth and immeasurable peace.

You thought he was cheating on you. But you've worked yourself up again. You're already ashamed of your actions.