My mother-in-law looked at my 38-week pregnant belly, told my husband, “Put a lock on both doors and let her give birth alone,” and then went off on a luxury trip to Aspen, paid for with my money. Seven days later, they returned tanned, smiling, and dragging suitcases full of shopping bags…

A heavy silence followed my words before Justin took the phone and told me that we needed to stop this and talk like adults. I asked him if he meant the kind of adults who leave a woman in active labor locked inside a house so they can go shopping.

“I didn’t think it was actually happening, I thought you were just trying to stop us from leaving!” Justin shouted in a desperate attempt to justify his actions. I informed him that there were official records of the emergency calls and statements from the paramedics who found me on the floor.

Beulah tried a different tactic by softening her voice and reminding me that we were family and that I should think about the needs of the baby. I looked down at my son and told her that she was nothing but a financial burden and I was finally calling her by her real name.

“Where are you staying, Audrey, and why won’t you just let us come inside so we can fix this mess?” Justin asked with a shaking voice. I simply told him I was somewhere where my son was safe and loved and that he would never step foot in my house again.