The Midwife

My baby and I are in safe hands...aren’t we?

The bright yellow walls of the maternity ward are plastered with images of perfect families. Stroking my bump, I can’t stop tears from falling down my cheeks. I know I made the best choice for my baby girl, but surrounded by happy-looking couples, I’m desperately aware I’m about to give birth all alone. But when my midwife, Jackie, introduces herself, I relax. She holds my trembling hand and reassures me with her warmth. I know she’s here to help.

As I sit in my small, rented bedsit that evening, my phone rings, and I’m pleased to hear Jackie’s voice. I don’t recall giving her my number, but I’ve been forgetful of late. She’s inviting me to an antenatal group, and despite how nervous I am, I hesitantly agree. I know Jackie is looking out for me.

She promised me there would be a big group, so why is there only one other nervous-looking mother here? With every question the woman asks, I catch Jackie staring at me, intensely watching my reaction. I can’t shake the feeling that from the moment we met, Jackie already knew who I was....

As my due date approaches, Jackie insists I have my baby at home. She tells me to trust her because she’s delivered hundreds of newborns this way, so she knows what’s best.

There’s still that doubt in my mind. Because if Jackie knows who I really am, then I can’t trust her with anything, let alone my precious daughter....

For fans of The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl, and The Housemaid!