The midwife drew Catherine away from the delivery chair after her daughter, Khloe, gave birth. After forty years of service at this maternity hospital, Linda was a steady presence at a place of significant beginnings, but as she took off her latex gloves, her hands began to shake. Even before the first words were said, Catherine felt cold because of something in her eyes—a profound, worried gravity.Calendario 2025
Did your daughter actually give birth?The medic’s voice sounded strained, as though she was having trouble getting each word out of her throat.
After looking toward the ward where a young nurse was tenderly caring for the newborn, Linda returned her attention to Catherine’s. Catherine could only stare back in confusion since the question was so strange and out of place in the joyful commotion of the maternity wing.
Yes, mine, of course. Khloe. What’s the matter?Catherine’s heart, which had been bursting with the happiness of becoming a grandmother, started to race and falter. A chilly fear began to creep into the nooks and crannies of her joy.
Taking her firmly by the elbow, the midwife guided her away from the delighted murmurs and jubilant balloons and down the silent, antiseptic-smelling hallway. “You must call the police right away,” Linda added in a low, frantic whisper. And locate a reputable attorney. Today.
Under the fluorescent lights, her face was pale, almost ashen, and she kept her eyes fixed on Catherine’s as though she were looking for proof of some horrible, unsaid suspicion.
Catherine’s voice began to shake as she begged, “Linda, I don’t understand what’s happening.” Is there a problem with the infant? Is he ill?Desperate to catch a sight of her grandchild, she attempted to peek back into the ward, but the midwife forcibly blocked her path.
Linda reassured her, “The baby is physically fine,” but the words were inconsolable. However, you must examine his right hand. Take a close look.
As Catherine entered the ward, a hundred horrible thoughts flashed through her head. The baby was lying contentedly on the changing table, his small, flawless fingers balled into fists, when she walked over. He was lovely, a tiny wonder covered in a blanket of gentle blue. The nurse gently uncurled the newborn’s right hand after noticing the strain.
Catherine’s world fell apart when she noticed something on the inside of his small wrist. It was a delicate, pale brown moon, a birthmark in the shape of a crescent. Her spouse, Rick, also has the same mark. She remembered clearly from old photos that his late father had the same mark. Rick had even been proud of the unusual, uncommon family feature that was handed down through the male line; he called it the “Foster family mark.”
Her legs gave way. Catherine grasped the edge of the changing table to prevent herself from falling as the sterilized room swayed on its axis. Her mind was racing with sharp, terrifying fragments of ideas that would not come together to create a cohesive whole. This isn’t possible. It isn’t feasible. It was a coincidence. It simply cannot be.
“Mom?”
She turned when Khloe spoke in a low, strained voice. Her daughter was lying on the hospital bed with her face veiled and her body angled toward the wall. From the time of his birth, she had never once glanced at the infant. “Am I unable to hold him?She had inquired before. “I’m simply exhausted.”
Feeling numb and disengaged, Catherine staggered over to the bed and took a seat next to her. Khloe was completely worn out, but it wasn’t just from giving birth. Her eyes were filled with a profound, soul-crushing pain that was beyond the realm of physical misery.
It’s alright, Khloe. You performed admirably. Catherine forced the words out of her mouth and muttered, “You made it through.”
Khloe muttered back, “Pardon me, Mom,” tears finally escaping and pouring down her pallid cheeks. “I was unable to tell you. Although I wanted to, I was unable to. “You wouldn’t have believed me,” she said, her voice shaking with repressed tears.
“What are you discussing, my love?Catherine caressed her daughter’s wet hair, but she was already feeling a tidal wave of fear. She was starting to see the shape of the monster her daughter couldn’t name, to make the unfathomable connections, to comprehend.
“Mom, I told you that it was only a passing relationship with Patrick from school, but that’s not true. With her face buried in her hands, Khloe cried, “It’s not true.” “I was worried you wouldn’t believe me and would pick him, thinking I wanted it.”
Insignificant instances from the previous few years began to reverberate in Catherine’s head like sirens. Every time the keys turned in the front door lock, Khloe flinched. Khloe stays away from being at home alone herself with Rick. After a night out with his buddies, Khloe would lock herself in her room whenever he returned home intoxicated and cheerful.
Khloe went on in a shaky whisper, “Mom, I didn’t want to have this baby.” However, when I discovered I was pregnant, it was too late. And he claimed he would take care of you if I informed anyone. claimed that his pals could make your body vanish so that no one would ever locate it.
Like an avalanche, the memories buried Catherine under a crippling burden of blindness and guilt. How Rick would always inquire, as if in passing, what time Khloe would return home from her friend’s place. He used to give her a special cup of herbal tea before bed, which put her to sleep so soundly that she was unable to be woken up, not even by loud noises. Just last month, he had demanded that Catherine spend the weekend alone in the house with her elderly mother. Honey, you’ll benefit from getting away. I’ll take care of Khloe.
When Khloe eventually turned to face her mother, she muttered, “He put something in my tea.” Her eyes ached like an open, raw wound. When I woke up, I would understand that something had happened, but I was unable to recall anything. I believed I was losing my mind.
Catherine got to her feet, shaking so badly she could hardly stand. With a silent cry stuck in her chest, she stumbled toward the exit. Linda tried to stop her by urging her to phone the investigator and act right now, but her words were just a meaningless buzz. Red circles swam before her vision, and her ears were ringing.
When she arrived at the hospital’s entrance, she passed out by the shrubs that surrounded the parking lot. A sharp spasm in her stomach caused her to puke onto the well-kept mulch. Another wave of retching wracked her body, this time from the sheer, soul-shattering terror of the nightmare that had been playing out beneath her roof rather than from nausea. in their house. Although he helped Khloe with her academics, bought her thoughtful gifts, and acted as a kind, caring stepfather, Rick, her husband of five years, whom she had trusted with her daughter, had been abusing her own child. threatening to kill her in order to protect his secret.
Catherine fought to push breath into her lungs while wiping her mouth with a shaking hand. She needed to do something. Rick was now ready to celebrate the birth of a grandson by waiting for her at home with flowers and champagne. A grandson—in reality, his son.
When she pulled out her phone, the screen was a haze since her hand was shaking so much. She kept thinking the same thing—a self-loathing chant. How could I have missed it? What caused my blindness? She had not noticed her daughter’s suffering in the room next to hers.
With her sensible shoes making gentle noises on the sidewalk, Linda emerged from the hospital. She walked up to Catherine, a façade of professional composure covering a profound, human empathy.
The midwife sternly stated, “Catherine, you cannot be alone at this time.” Her steady voice was a lifeline in Catherine’s whirling panic: “And you definitely can’t go home to that man.” “This is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my forty years of work. However, I am positive that you must take quick action.
Catherine’s words were harsh and scraped from her throat as she whimpered, “He’ll harm us.” “He will fulfill his promise if he discovers that we are aware.” Khloe was right to be scared. She glanced up at the maternity ward’s brightly illuminated windows. “I had no idea why my girl spent three years in that hell.”
It was this insight that ultimately strengthened her determination. They needed to take prompt, appropriate action.
Linda touched her shoulder reassuringly. “I know someone. A father of three daughters, a decent man, and a detective. He will assist you in doing everything correctly.
Unable to believe her own voice, Catherine nodded. A battle raged inside her between a white-hot, protecting rage and sadness. Feel angry with Rick for his treatment of Khloe and at herself for not defending her own kid.
Catherine sat in her car in the hospital parking area for over two hours. The keys were a lifeless weight on her lap. Her hands would shake once more whenever she attempted to visualize walking into the house and seeing Rick’s happy face. When a hospital security guard knocked on her window, the sun had already set, leaving long, ominous shadows on the street. An old man leaned toward the glass, his face wrinkled yet pleasant.
“Are you all right, Miss? He remarked with sincere worry, “You’ve been sitting here for a long time.
Catherine tried to grin but ended up making a pathetic grimace as she rolled down the window. “I’m all right, thanks. Simply put, I’m exhausted.
The guard gave a sympathetic nod. “I also have grandchildren. I am aware of how daunting it can be. However, you must return home. Family games while your family waits
He was correct. It’s likely that Rick was already becoming suspicious and anxious. The automobile was started by Catherine. It was like traveling through a nightmare throughout the brief commute home. Ignoring other drivers’ screaming horns, she pulled to a stop at a number of traffic lights that had long before turned green. Now that she understood, how could she confront him?
Warm lights were on in the windows as she got closer to the residence. He was at home. Awaiting.
After parking, she sat in the car for a minute more, breathing deeply and trembling. She needed to be normal. At least until she came up with a plan.
The instant her key touched the latch, the door sprung open. Rick held a bottle of cold champagne and a massive bouquet of red roses in the doorway. His eyes gleamed with a delight that made Catherine’s stomach turn to ice, and he flashed a broad, joyous smile.
“You’re there! How is our child doing? Did everything go smoothly? What is Khloe’s condition?He appeared to be the ideal, contented family man, all set to celebrate his grandson’s birth.
Catherine tried to conceal the trembling in her voice as she answered, “Everything… everything’s fine.” Every syllable seemed like a betrayal as she forced them out. He is a boy in good health. It’s normal for Khloe to be exhausted. She averted her gaze while fumbling with her jacket and shook her hands.
Fortunately, Rick didn’t appear to notice. The news delighted him too much. He put an arm around her shoulders and continued, “I’ve already prepared the champagne and flowers for our new mommy.” Catherine almost recoiled in revulsion, but she forced herself not to. We’ll visit the hospital tomorrow morning to give Khloe the proper congratulations. We might purchase a bed or a good stroller. What are your thoughts?”
“I must take a shower. Catherine murmured, “I’m exhausted,” as she withdrew from his embrace and made her way to the restroom. Tomorrow, let’s discuss everything. I simply cannot today.
Rick gave her a perplexed look, but he didn’t press the issue.
To block out any noise, Catherine shut the bathroom door and turned the shower on full blast. She called her sister’s number with trembling hands. Wendy picked up the phone on the first ring.
“How are things doing, Catherine? Is our Khloe pregnant yet?Her sister’s voice exuded pleasure and joy.
Catherine was at her breaking point. I’m in a lot of trouble, Wendy. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she cried, “I don’t know what to do.” Her throat became locked with words.
Immediately, her sister’s tone changed. “What happened, Catherine? Does the baby have a problem? With Khloe?”
Fearing that he would hear her through the door, Catherine muttered, “The baby… he has a birthmark just like Rick’s.” The same thing. The midwife also advised us to call the police.
Wendy was quiet for a long time. My goodness, Catherine. Are you serious?”
“Yes,” she said, her voice shaking with fear. “I’m currently with him at home. He brought champagne and flowers to greet me. He wishes to “congratulate” Khloe in the hospital tomorrow.
The restroom door was knocked on. Catherine? You’ve spent thirty minutes inside. To whom are you speaking? Rick’s voice sounded annoyed. “Come on, let’s have dinner and celebrate.”
“I’ll be leaving in a moment! Simply taking a bath!Catherine covered the phone with her hand and yelled.
Her sister’s voice was a low, desperate murmur. “You can’t remain there, Catherine. Now come to me. Say I’m ill, anything at all.
“I am unable to,” Catherine answered. “He will suspect.” Khloe claimed that if she ever told anyone, he would kill her.
The knock came again, more forcefully and persistently. “Can you hear me, Catherine? Get the door open! You’re nuts!Rick’s voice had piercing, menacing overtones that Catherine had either missed or had decided not to notice.
She muttered into the phone, “I have to leave.” “Wendy, call the police if I don’t get back to you by morning.”
Before her sister could argue, she ended the call. Rick was standing on the doorway, his expression dark with suspicion, when she opened the door.
Why are they being so theatrical? And to whom did you speak?”
Wendy was the one. Catherine attempted to explain, “I was telling her about the birth,” but he blocked her path.
“What’s causing your red eyes? And why did you have to travel home from the hospital for three hours?He kept his gaze fixed on her. “I looked up your departure time. You were spotted sitting in the parking lot by your neighbor.
Catherine remarked, trying to sound composed, “I was just upset.” “Seeing your daughter suffer is difficult.”
After giving her a couple more dubious glances, he moved away. There was a tense, oppressive silence as they ate dinner. Catherine lay motionless, pretending to sleep, but her thoughts were racing. At midnight, he rose silently and walked out of the bedroom. He was wandering around the apartment when she heard it, followed by the faint sound of someone dialing a number.
He whispered into the phone, “It’s me,” yet every word could be heard in the calm of the night. She gave birth today, yes, but Catherine is acting weirdly—I’m not sure why. Perhaps she worked it out on her own, or perhaps the doctor said something.” His voice became softer and more menacing. “Remember what we agreed. The girl came after her. Don’t leave any evidence.
Catherine’s heart was racing. She was out of time. Rick was aware. And he did pose a threat.
Catherine awoke in the morning to the sound of the front door shutting. Rick had said nothing and gone off to work. After a few minutes of lying motionless and listening to the suffocating quiet of the flat, she moved with a feverish urgency. There wasn’t much time. While he was away, she needed to find evidence.
She began by going through the papers and notes on his desk. Nothing. She rummaged through the bedroom, examining the nightstands and behind the mattress. His work jacket, which he had worn when he returned home yesterday, was hanging in the closet. When Catherine’s hands reached inside her pockets, she felt a little, firm object. A flash drive. A standard black flash drive without any distinguishing features.
She put it into the computer with shaking hands. The screen displayed a number of video files with only the last three months’ dates on them. February was the date on the first file. Catherine covered her lips with her palm to prevent herself from yelling as the video began to play. Khloe’s bedroom, captured by a covert camera, appeared on the screen. Her daughter was sleeping deeply and strangely. Then Rick came into view.
Subsequently, Catherine hurried to the restroom and vomited until her stomach was completely empty. She realized now. He had been filming his attacks and putting sleeping tablets in her drink. This served as his trophy and proof.
After finding another flash drive in a drawer, she swiftly copied all the files back onto the computer. She returned the original to the pocket of his jacket. She must have found nothing, but Rick must not have suspected. Deep in her makeup bag, she concealed her copy. There was no question about this proof.
The telephone rang. Rick was the one.
His voice was tight with an eerie tension as he announced, “I’m leaving work early today,” without greeting. “Khloe has to be picked up from the hospital. Today.
Catherine countered, attempting to sound cool, “But she needs to stay there for a few more days.” “The physician stated—”
Rick said, “Doctors say a lot of things.” Then they begin rambling in inappropriate places. Simply said, I believe Khloe would do better at home, under our watchful eye. In hospitals, there is far too much chatter.
The call was cut off. Catherine was aware of her limited time. Rick was coming to take charge of the situation—to get Khloe out of the hospital and back under his roof—because he had suspicions. once again within his power.
Before Rick could reach Khloe, Catherine hurried to the hospital to get ready and notify Linda. It was a busy maternity ward. In the nurse’s office, she discovered Linda.
Catherine took the flash drive out of her beauty bag and declared, “I have proof.” “Videos. He filmed everything while giving her sleeping medication.
Already pallid, Linda’s face went to chalk. “My God. Thus, I was correct.
Catherine blurted, “He’s coming to pick up Khloe today.” He claims that it is urgent. I believe he believes we are aware. We have to take action immediately.
After locking the office door, Linda got up. “All right. I’m going to give my pal the investigator a call. You visit Khloe. Alert her, but do so cautiously.
In her room, Catherine discovered Khloe lying by herself, gazing out the window. When she spotted her, she said, “Mom.” “Do you now despise me?”
“I don’t despise you, my light. Catherine took her daughter’s hand and remarked, “I hate myself for not being able to protect you.” We’ll fix everything now, though. We’ll go to the police, and I have evidence of what he did.
Khloe’s eyes were wide with fear as she sat up abruptly. “No, Mom! He will murder us both! You’re not getting it!”
At that moment, a booming voice and quick footsteps reverberated along the hallway. Rick and a nurse were having a fight. “Her stepfather is me! I am entitled to come!”
When Khloe heard his voice, she started to shake wildly. “He’s here, Mom. I am unable to see him. Do not let him in, please!”
The door flew open as she attempted to hide beneath the cover. Rick came in smiling broadly and carrying a bunch of flowers, but his face darkened when he noticed Khloe’s response. His victim, his daughter, thrashed in bed, pushing the air away as though protecting herself from an unseen foe, and started screaming, a harsh, frightened sound.
“No! Get him out of here! Keep him away from me!”
“What’s up with you, Khloe?Rick pretended to be surprised as he spoke. “That’s me, Rick!”
The girl let out an even louder scream as he attempted to approach. Nurses hurried in, but Linda was in charge. She walked into the room, glanced at Rick, then at Khloe, who was sobbing uncontrollably, and her face hardened.
“You must go,” she stated forcefully. “You are frightening the patient.”
“What nonsense! Her stepfather is me!Rick attempted to shove the midwife away.
With a steely voice, Linda declared, “You have no rights.” She took a close-up of the baby’s hand with the obvious and damning crescent birthmark out of her pocket. “Especially in light of my knowledge.”
Rick’s face went completely white as he stared at it. “Where did this come from?He muttered.
Calmly, Linda continued, “It’s a picture of your son’s newborn hand.” “The same child your stepdaughter had after you mistreated her.”
Rick’s façade of civility broke completely as he attacked. He caught Linda’s throat. “You old fool, stop talking! You have no knowledge!His eyes were ablaze with dread and anger. “I’ll kill you and your entire family if you tell anyone!
“Aid! Safety!Catherine’s voice reverberated down the hallway as she yelled.
Medical personnel and security personnel hurried inside the room. Rick was still strangling Linda when they forcibly removed him, but he was still yelling. “Everything is false! I was approached by Khloe! She, like all women, is perverted!”
Linda sat on a chair and rubbed the red scratches on her throat as they pulled him away. “We now have witnesses to his threats,” she uttered in a raspy voice. “That will be sufficient, along with the videos.”
An hour later, Catherine was approached by a middle-aged man dressed simply. “My name is Oliver Brooks,” he said. local law enforcement. I was informed of the situation by Linda.
Catherine shuddered when he revealed his name. Oliver Brooks, are you? The person who was friends with Anthony, my first husband?”
The officer gave a sorrowful smile. Yes, I am that person. I recall Khloe’s birth, your wedding, and then… his passing. The common past served as a tiny consolation and a reminder that she wasn’t alone. “I never thought I’d meet you again under these circumstances.”
Catherine gave the flash drive to him. “I have evidence, Oliver. He produced videos.
Oliver gently placed the flash drive in his breast pocket after taking it. He listened to Catherine describe Rick’s menacing phone conversation the previous evening, saying, “I know this is difficult, but these recordings are just what we need.”
He scowled. “We’re going to protect you. You are unable to go home at this time.
Catherine sat with Khloe as Oliver went to their home to gather their necessities. Her daughter’s eyes showed optimism for the first time in a long time.
A female investigator visited Khloe the following day. She listened to the whole story with patience. With a firm yet quiet voice, Khloe began, “It all started when I turned seventeen.” Catherine’s heart ached again when she recounted the drugged tea and the threats on her mother’s life. “He said there was a special bond between us… that I understood him better than mom did.”
Oliver called that night. Rick was free on bond while official charges were being processed. Oliver had left a three-word note on the kitchen table, “I know everything,” and their closets were empty when he returned home. Before he drove off, neighbors said they heard him shouting and smashing dishes.
Oliver had remarked, “People like him start making mistakes when they realize they’ve been exposed.” “And we require his errors.”
They realized their error at midnight. Someone started beating on the door of Wendy’s apartment. “Come on out, Catherine! You’re in there, I know that!It was Rick.
“You’re my wife! I have a kid named Khloe! No one has the right to take you away from me because you are my women!His voice was filled with insanity as he attempted to smash through the door. “A filthy girl named Chloe came on to me! You want to blame me now!”
In the distant, sirens cried out. Rick was still attempting to splinter the door with his shoulder when the police came. “Everything is false!As they dragged him away in handcuffs, he yelled.
After Rick was removed, Oliver remarked wearyly, “Now he definitely won’t get out.” “Attempts at breaking and entering, threats, and resisting arrest.” in addition to Khloe’s testimony and the footage. That will suffice.
A tiny, tight courtroom served as the venue for the trial. As a passive witness to the crime, Catherine sat in the first row next to Khloe, who was holding her three-month-old boy.
Rick’s attorney attempted to discredit Khloe by portraying her as a cunning young lady. However, the prosecutor took his time. She showed the video footage, the indisputable proof. Several jurors turned their heads aside in disgust as the pieces were displayed. The professional analysis verified that Khloe’s system contained potent sedatives. The birthmark, an odd but intriguing component of the puzzle, was mentioned by Linda in her testimony.
Khloe finally entered the stage. Despite her trembling voice, she spoke the truth about her three years of fear and violation, which ended when she found the concealed camera. With tears in her eyes, she remarked, “He was happy when I got pregnant.” “Now we have a secret together forever,” he remarked.
Rick stood, rebelliously, when it was his turn. “I’m innocent. Chloe desired it. The child is evidence that we were romantically involved.
In the courtroom, his remarks incited indignation.
Two hours later, the jurors came back. The foreman declared, “We deliver the verdict: Guilty in the case of Rick Foster.” “On every count.”
The sentence was delivered by the judge. “The court sentences Rick Foster to fifteen years in a maximum-security prison due to the seriousness of the offense, the existence of aggravating circumstances, and the total lack of remorse.”
Rick trembled and turned pallid. He passed out when the guards drew near.
For the first time in months, Khloe grinned with true relief. “Is it over now, Mom?”
Catherine gave her daughter and grandson tight embraces and murmured, “Yes, darling.” “It’s finished now.”
Six months later, Catherine completed the adoption paperwork and gave her grandson the last name of her first husband, Miller. She advised the social worker to let the boy bear the name of a deserving man. Khloe enrolled in college with the goal of teaching elementary school. She clarified, “I want to protect children.” “I wish they felt secure, as I never did.”
They relocated across the city to a new apartment. Catherine, Khloe, and little Alex Miller would sit on the balcony together in the evenings. Khloe whispered softly, “My boy,” as she took up her son one evening. My nice boy.
It was the first time she had ever talked to her child with such unadulterated compassion. And Catherine had a deep-seated sense of assurance that her daughter was starting to recover. All of them were starting to recover.
