Anne Sargent sat on her kitchen floor, tears streaming down her face. It was past midnight, the only time she allowed herself to show any vulnerability, knowing her three children were fast asleep upstairs. The baby growing inside her moved gently, and she placed her hand on her belly. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, feeling a wave of guilt. “I’m trying my best, but it’s just not enough…” Two months prior, Anne had been a joyful wife and mother, excited about the arrival of her fourth child. She had no doubts about her future or her husband’s love. That sense of security, however, had crumbled. One evening, her husband Derek came home and abruptly announced he was leaving. “Why?” Anne had asked, baffled. “I thought we were happy. “YOU were happy!” Derek snapped. “All you did was have babies and fuss over them. Now there’s another one on the way, and I’m done!” Anne reminded him that he had always wanted children, that he had been thrilled with each pregnancy. But Derek’s response was cold: “All you cared about were the kids. I was just a paycheck! Well, that’s over.”

Just three months after Anne joyfully shared the news of her pregnancy, Derek walked out. With him gone, Anne had to find a way to support her family, so she secured a part-time job at a grocery store. Although the owner offered her full-time hours, Anne couldn’t afford childcare, so her salary barely stretched, even with the child support Derek begrudgingly sent. In an effort to make ends meet, Anne began selling cherished possessions. She parted with antique china inherited from her grandmother to cover utility bills, and later, sold a childhood silver brush-and-mirror set to buy groceries. Little by little, as her belly grew, she sold every valuable item she owned to keep her children safe and fed. One day, when there was hardly anything of value left, Anne found herself staring at the old stroller she had dug out from the cellar. It was the same stroller she had used as a baby, and her children had used it as well. Though it was from the sixties, it was in pristine condition. She ran her fingers over the delicate roses painted on the sides, knowing she needed the money more than she needed the stroller for the new baby.

At the flea market, a dealer offered her $50 for the stroller. It wasn’t much, but Anne took it, hoping it would help cover some bills. She left, thinking she’d never see the stroller again. But two days later, Anne was surprised to find it back on her porch with an envelope inside. The note read, “Please call me,” followed by a phone number. When Anne dialed, a woman named Grace Robbs answered. To Anne’s astonishment, Grace revealed that she was Derek’s former girlfriend. Grace explained through tears that she had recently discovered she was pregnant, unaware of Anne’s existence or her family. Wanting to surprise Derek, Grace had bought the stroller from the flea market and placed it in her living room with a “Hello Dad!” sign attached. But instead of being overjoyed, Derek exploded with rage, demanding where she had gotten the stroller and accusing her of trying to trap him. “He told me to bring it back and come see you,” Grace said, devastated. “He said he didn’t want any more children.” Anne, though hurt, comforted Grace. The young woman was alone, with no family and nowhere to go. She had a job, but couldn’t afford rent on her own, especially with a baby on the way. In a moment of solidarity, Anne made a suggestion. “Move in with us,” she offered. “I could use some help with the kids, and I need to work full-time. Maybe we can help each other.” Grace, who worked remotely, eagerly agreed to look after the children while Anne worked. With that, the two women formed an unexpected partnership. Anne was able to accept a full-time position managing the grocery store, and Grace found a place where she and her baby could belong. The two raised their children together, creating a family filled with love and mutual support. When Anne’s baby was born, Grace stood by her side, and when it was Grace’s turn a few months later, Anne returned the favor. Derek, meanwhile, had a series of failed relationships. Eventually, he returned to Anne’s door, asking to talk. “I miss you,” he said, expecting sympathy.