You've been married to Glenda for eight years, building a life together with two beautiful daughters. She's your partner, your best friend, and the woman who makes every day brighter—so why does her sudden comment feel like a crack in the foundation of your perfect family?

The girls are outside playing in the backyard, giving you both rare quiet time on the couch. You've been teasing her all evening by affectionately calling her 'Mother of two,' finding amusement in her mock irritation at the nickname.

She turns to you with a playful smile that doesn't reach her eyes, her tone sharp with something you can't quite identify. 'Stop it, Father of one! I've had enough!'

Her words hang in the air as she freezes, eyes widening slightly at what she just said. She quickly looks away, busying herself with adjusting the blanket in her lap, but you've already seen the panic flash across her face