The Locks That Killed My Babies

Two years ago, I got pregnant for the first time.

At ten weeks, a small, silver padlock pendant appeared on our front doorstep.

No package slip. No sender info.

Julian laughed off my anxiety, telling me it was probably an early gift from a friend.

That very night, sharp cramps tore through my abdomen.

By the time I was rushed to the ER in the dead of night, the baby’s heartbeat was gone.

A year ago, I became pregnant again.

I didn't tell a soul, keeping it a secret even from my own mother.