What’s right , what went wrong Right: You stepped up for your family in a crisis. That takes real responsibility. She was honest about a fear she couldn’t ignore. Went wrong: A life-changing decision (raising a child) was made fast and became non-negotiable. You both wanted different futures at that point.
2) In her shoes I’d likely step back too. Not from lack of love, but because becoming a parent,especially suddenly,is a huge, irreversible commitment, and her fear makes it even heavier.
3) In his shoes I’d still take responsibility for my niece, but I’d stop waiting and chasing. Focus on building a stable life for the child and myself. The pressure is real: grief, duty to parents, and becoming a parent overnight,but clarity matters more than holding onto “maybe.”