Lila sat at the edge of her bed, her fingers absently tracing the grain of the wooden nightstand beside her. The ultrasound image lay in front of her, staring back like a secret she hadn't meant to keep. The tiny form, barely distinguishable, had changed everything the moment she heard its heartbeat. The rhythmic thump-thump-thump had stolen the breath from her lungs, unraveling every plan she had carefully constructed.
She was supposed to go through with this. She had already made up her mind.
Then why did it feel impossible?
A soft knock on her bedroom door made her flinch.
"Lila?" Mia's voice was gentle, cautious. "You okay?"
Lila hesitated before answering. "Come in."
Mia stepped inside, her eyes immediately flicking to the ultrasound on the nightstand. She sighed and sat beside Lila, tucking one leg under herself. "I was wondering when you'd talk about it."