“Get out of here, and take your bastards with you!” my mother-in-law yelled, spitting in my direction, as my husband shoved me and my ten-day-old twins out into the freezing night.

Natalie blinked, stunned by the coldness in his voice. Only ten days ago he had kissed her forehead in a hospital room and promised that they would build a beautiful life together. Only ten days ago he had held their daughters and whispered that he would always protect them.

“You promised you would never let anyone hurt us,” Natalie said, her voice trembling as one of the babies began to wail louder.

Linda let out a cruel laugh. “Stop pretending. You trapped my son with children. A nobody who plays at being a designer. You should have known your place.”

Brian grabbed Natalie by the elbow and pushed her forward. She nearly lost her balance. Her bare feet met the icy stone of the front steps.

“Go back to whatever cheap apartment you came from,” he said. “This is over.”

The door slammed shut behind her. The sound echoed through the empty street like a final verdict.

For a moment, Natalie stood frozen. Snow fell onto her hair and shoulders. Her daughters cried in her arms. Pain pulsed through her body from the recent birth. Her breath formed white clouds in the air.

Then something inside her shifted.