Naarah’s visit

A month had slipped through Mina's fingers like sand, each day a swirling tempest of thoughts about whether to keep the baby. It had been just as long since she had last seen Aaron, and the ache in her heart only deepened with each passing moment, a constant reminder of how much she longed for him by her side. After her discharge from the hospital, the world felt both achingly familiar and alarmingly alien, the weight of her choices heavy on her chest.

Mina let out a long, weary sigh—her ninth of the day, she noted, with a hint of irony.

"What's going on?" Naarah asked, concern dancing in her eyes as she hurried to Mina's side.

Mina offered a faint smile, grateful for the warmth of her friend's presence. "A lot has happened this past month," she confessed, her voice trembling with the delicate balance of uncertainty and hope.

Naarah's expression softened as their gazes met, the unspoken understanding weaving an invisible thread between them. She could feel the depth of Mina's longing—the way she missed her cousin more than words could express.

"Yeah," Naarah replied softly, handing Mina a glass of water. The coolness of it provided a brief reprieve from the storm raging inside her. She knew Aaron had chosen to give Mina space, allowing her to weigh the monumental decision of motherhood.

"You know, it's not too late to keep the baby. Just think— a little version of you running around, calling you 'Mommy,'" Naarah encouraged, gently resting her hand on Mina's.

Mina instinctively withdrew her hand, a rush of emotions flooding through her. She cleared her throat, summoning the strength to stand. "I need some time alone," she said, retreating to her room and closing the door behind her.

Naarah let out a heavy sigh, pulling out her phone to call the one person who might help bridge the gap. The call connected on the first ring.

"She needs you," Naarah urged urgently.

"She doesn't look out for herself, and I can't bear to let her feel lonely," Aaron replied, his voice heavy with emotion before he hung up.

*****************************************

Aaron ran a hand through his hair, frustration gnawing at him. He needed her too—needed the feel of her skin against his, her laughter, the way she lit up a room. But for now, he had to maintain his distance. He didn't want to overwhelm her with emotions, not when she was in such a fragile state.

He gulped whiskey, letting the warmth spread through him, but it didn't quell the worry gnawing at his insides. Only Naarah could convince Mina to see the potential in keeping their baby. Deep down, he wanted to admit that he wanted Mina all to himself, but with the baby in the picture, they could build a family—a real family of their own. If that would make her stay with him, he would do anything to support her choice.

*********************************************

Mina walked towards the open balcony, allowing the fresh breeze to kiss her face, she instinctively placed her hand on her belly.

"I'm sorry," Mian said choking on her tears.

She didn't want to do it but she had to, if she wanted to be free from Aarons's clutch she had to get rid of anything that was.