I Could Have Been a Great Father

by T. Duncan Anderson

If all the cards are on the table, it was her idea to have the abortion. That I agreed—and paid for it—is secondary. Her abortion was a bar tab I felt obligated to pay. I paid in cash.

"No-no," I said, "I got it."

"Here's the deal," Molly whispered. Her features were so delicate, her fingers those of a piano player. "You have to go with me." She wanted children, not just mine.

"Of course I'll go with you," I said.

She smiled, reading my mind, "In the room."

I don't even like dentists. I had no idea how I'd feel about an abortionist. "I'm not even sure they'll allow me in the room," I said.

She gave a crying smile, "They will."

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