—Hazel—
It had been days.
Days since I saw his face. Days since I heard his voice, other than that cold, clipped update—They caught him.
That was all he said. No details. No explanation. No real comfort.
And then nothing.
No good morning.
No checking in.
No are you okay?
I sat up slowly, pushing the covers back from my legs. My bump made everything feel like effort now—sitting, turning, even breathing. It was strange how much of my body had changed without asking permission. My back always ached. My ankles constantly sore. And my walk… don't even get me started. I moved like someone twice my age.
Still, I forced myself upright and shuffled over to the vanity where my meds were. I took the prenatal pills, then the ones for blood pressure. The nurse said I needed to be religious about them now, especially after the scare.
I was about to lie back down when my phone buzzed.
Ma.
I hesitated.
Then picked up.
"Hello?"
"You're just going to pretend like nothing happened?"
