r Mar

ch step heavy. The air felt thick, oppressive. My mind was still reeling from Cole's wo

. He looked up as I entered, a gentle smile on his face. The sight of his composed facade s

pen, his gaze tender. His voice held that familiar, soothing tone, the one he always used to ma

I made your favorite. Eat up, darling." He pulled out a chair for me, his hand resting lightly

rdboard. I ate mechanically, my eyes fixed on the plate, avoiding his gaze. I needed to act normal.

aught my eye. My gaze darted to it. My heart pounded. I did not want to see. Bu

s for looking out for me, baby. My stomach feels better now. You' re the best." The words twisted in

sting, foul. My throat clenched. I felt a wave of intense nau

athroom, my hand clapped over my mouth. I leaned over the toilet, dry heaving. Nothing

test slipped from my pocket and clattered onto

wrong?" He reached out to touch my arm. His voice was laced with

!" The words were sharp, guttural. My voice was raw, unfamiliar. The mask of calm

"Sleep on the couch tonight. I don' t want you in our bed." My voice was l

. I felt a strange sense of relief, a brief reprieve from his suffocating pr

t among the living. The sterile smell of disinfectant filled the air. I felt a profound s

the screen - a heartbeat. I stared at it, feeling the war inside me between the primal pull of new life and the horror of its origins. She explained my options, includi

ardless of which path you choose," she warned, her voice gentle bu

motion. My face was a blank mask. I felt nothing,

l vitamins she prescribed - a strange, contradictory gesture - and left the examination room.

carried the weight of an impossible choice. I walked out of the hospital, feeling physic