And why was he doing all of this secretly?
Over the next few days, I began to fear my own bedroom.
Daniel had never hit me or threatened me. But now, every time he touched me, I remembered those nighttime photographs.
Until one morning, while taking a shower, I noticed that the skin on certain parts of my belly had become irritated.
For several weeks, I’d also been experiencing a strange feeling of heaviness.
I decided to see a doctor.
I didn’t tell Daniel.
Dr. Sarah Miller was a woman in her fifties with a calm voice and attentive eyes.
She listened to my complaints, examined my belly, and asked a few routine questions.
Then she asked:
“Does your husband know you’re here?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
I remained silent for a long moment.
Then I told her about the nighttime photographs, the measuring tape, and the strange whispers.