No Maternity Leave Till My Water Broke

Summary

When my due date approached and I requested maternity leave, my boss replied with just two words: "Request denied."

Holding up the hospital admission notice from my doctor, I asked him, "My water could break at any second. What then?"

He pushed the slip back across the desk. "Then we'll talk when it does."

I let out a soft laugh. "Fine. Have it your way."

The next morning, I walked into the office right on time, carrying my hospital go bag.

The bag sat by my feet, a disposable underpad lined my office chair, and a portable oxygen canister was placed right next to my computer.