I Went to Pick Up My Wife and Newborn Twins from the Hospital — I Found Only the Babies and a Note

The knife twisted deeper. “Why didn’t she tell me my mom was saying these things to her?”

“She was scared, Ben. She thought Mandy might turn you against her. I told her to talk to you, but…” Sara’s voice cracked. “I’m sorry. I should’ve pushed harder.”

“Do you think she’s okay?”

“I hope so,” Sara said quietly. “Suzie’s stronger than she thinks. But Ben… keep looking for her.”

Weeks turned into months.

One afternoon, while Callie and Jessica napped, my phone buzzed. It was a text from an unlisted number.

When I opened it, my breath caught. It was a photo of Suzie, holding the twins at the hospital, her face pale but serene. Beneath it was a message:

“I wish I was the type of mother they deserve. I hope you forgive me.”

I called the number immediately, but it didn’t go through.