I’ve been pregnant for more than four months. That is the happiness that my husband and I – Mr. Hoang – have been waiting for for a long time. Since the day I learned the news of having a child, I have lived like a cloud, imagining the child’s face every day, even silently knitting beautiful little sweaters for my child.

That morning, I went to the hospital alone for a routine ultrasound. Hoang said he was busy with work, but he promised to take me to eat my favorite food in the evening. I didn’t think much about it, I just felt happy when I thought about the scene tonight when my husband and I watched the ultrasound photo together.

The ultrasound room is empty, only the sound of machines and keyboard clicks. I lay on the bed, pulled up my shirt, and the cold sensation of the ultrasonic gel spread throughout my abdomen. The doctor, an older man, talked to me quite casually at first. He asked:
– How many weeks have you been pregnant? Do you have regular check-ups?

I smiled back, and even boasted that my husband took great care of my mother and children. But just a few minutes later, I noticed a strange change in his eyes. His hand holding the probe stopped, trembling slightly. His eyes were glued to the screen, and his face turned pale for a moment.

I started to worry.
–Physician… What’s wrong with my child?

He didn’t answer immediately, just swallowed gently, and then quietly printed the ultrasound results. As he handed the paper to me, he took a deep breath, his voice trembling:
“The fetus is fine… But there was this, she needed to hear. I advise you… stay away from your husband. Never go back to him again.

My heart seemed to stop beating. I didn’t understand what he was saying.
–Physician… What do you mean by the doctor? Why should I stay away from my husband?

He looked at me with concern, hesitating as if he was struggling inside. Finally, he pulled down his chair and lowered his voice:
“I can’t reveal other patient information, but… I used to examine her husband. His test results… extremely dangerous. He carries a disease that should… it is not allowed to hide his wife and children.

I was stunned, the result sheet trembled in my hand. My eyes blurred, I could only hear my heart pounding. How many happy images suddenly shattered. I trembled and asked:
“What disease… will it affect my child?

The doctor squeezed my hand slightly, his eyes were solemn but full of pity:
“I don’t dare to confirm for the fetus, more tests are needed. But she still has time to protect her child. The most important thing now… that she had to stay away from him. I can’t go into details, but please believe me.

Speaking of this, his voice choked up, as if carrying a moral burden. I saw in his eyes a terrible truth that he could not tell.

I walked out of the clinic, my mind spinning. The flow of people outside the corridor was crowded, but I felt like I was lost in the endless void. Why is my husband hiding me? How long has he been gentle and considerate, yet behind that smile hides a truth that scares the doctor so much?

That night, Hoang came home earlier than usual. He carried a bouquet of crimson roses and happily boasted:
“Today my company signed a big contract. Do you have any good news from me?

I looked at him, my heart choked. The man in front of me, whom I once trusted with all my heart, was now a stranger. I tried to smile, not daring to show the panic inside. But my hand was unconsciously placed on my stomach, protecting the little creature.

At night, I lay with my back to my eyes, tears wet my pillow. The doctor’s words echoed in his mind: “Stay away from your husband, and never come back.”

I knew that the decision to leave him was not easy. But I no longer have the right to choose for myself. I have to think for my child, for the little life that has not yet been born.

The next day, I quietly packed up some clothes and went back to my mother’s house. I excused myself to need pregnancy recuperation, avoiding the city smog. My mother looked at me worriedly, and I could only avoid her gaze.

Late at night, I received dozens of missed calls from Hoang. The messages he sent were rushed: “Where are you?”, “I’m worried about you”, “Don’t leave like that”… But I didn’t dare to answer. I was afraid, just once I softened my heart, I would return to his arms and put my child in danger.

I remembered the doctor’s face, his trembling eyes, and I said to myself: I have to be strong. For the sake of you.

Son, I don’t know what the future holds, I don’t know if I can hide this secret forever. But I promise, with all my strength, I will protect you to the end.

My story stops here, without a complete end. Because I still don’t know the full truth behind that warning. But I believe, one day, when I am brave enough, I will face my husband, and find out the final truth.

And now… I just listened to the old doctor, held on to him, and lived on with the faint faith that everything would be all right.