When I spotted a barcode on my husband Daniel’s back, I feared it was a sign of his betrayal. But scanning it revealed a much more heartbreaking truth. We had just learned I was pregnant with our first child, but Daniel had been growing distant. Always “busy” with work, he seemed to be pulling away from me.
One night, after a long trip, I noticed a faint barcode on his back. Fearing the worst, I scanned it, and a message appeared: “Call me ASAP. He has just months.” My heart sank, and I immediately called the number, reaching Dr. Evans, who revealed Daniel had stage-four pancreatic cancer. He hadn’t told me because he didn’t want to worry me, especially with the baby. The doctor confessed she had placed the barcode as a way for me to discover the truth, believing Daniel couldn’t bring himself to tell me.
The next day, I suggested we take a getaway. We spent time at a lake cabin, reconnecting and enjoying the simple moments. We painted the nursery together, laughed, and shared memories, but Daniel’s health quickly declined. In his final days, he whispered an apology, and I reassured him that he had given us everything.
At his funeral, I sat feeling the weight of his absence, but also the comfort of his love, knowing it would live on in our child. I promised him I would make sure our baby knew how much he had loved us.
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