I was watching his cruelty play out right in front of me. But I was still in character. I had to see this performance through.
"Darrell, we tried so long for this baby. Isn't there any other way?"
"Medicine has come so far. Cancer isn't what it used to be..."
The words tasted like ash in my own mouth, but I had to say them. It was part of the script.
Darrell's mind was already made up. I was only going through the motions.
He kept up his act of selfless concern, still on his knees, crying harder now. "Regina, I understand how you feel. I know how long you've wanted this child."
"But this disease could take me at any moment. I don't want our baby growing up without a father. A child without a dad... that's no life for a kid."
I scoffed internally. I had to hand it to him. His delivery was flawless. Oscar-worthy, really.
I pulled him to his feet, keeping up my own look of stubborn refusal to give in.
"There has to be a chance. As long as we don't give up, your condition can be treated."