Chapter 8

When Sophia woke up, she smelled disinfectant.

White ceiling, white sheets, white curtains.

The sunlight was blinding.

She squinted.

The pain in her abdomen reminded her of what she'd lost.

She touched her flat stomach. Her eyes immediately burned.

But she didn't cry.

What good would crying do?

The baby wasn't coming back.

She turned her face to the side, looking at the bare tree branches outside the window.

The window was cracked open slightly. Cold wind poured in, making the curtains sway gently.

She heard footsteps outside.

Damien pushed the door open and walked in.

He looked terrible. Dark circles under his eyes, blue stubble on his chin.

He approached the bed and reached out to touch her forehead.

Sophia turned her head away.

Damien's hand froze mid-air. After a long moment, he withdrew it.

"About the baby... I'm very sorry."

His voice was heavy.

"I know."

Sophia's voice was calm.

Damien looked at her, feeling a tightness in his chest.

He'd rather she yell at him, hit him, throw things, cry hysterically.

But she did none of that.

She just lay in the hospital bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, as if her soul had already left her body.

"When you're better, we'll start over."

Damien spoke.

Sophia slowly turned her head and looked into his eyes.

"Start over?"

She laughed.

That laugh made Damien's heart contract painfully.

"Damien."

She called his name, her voice soft, as if using every bit of strength she had left.

"My baby is gone."

Damien shut his mouth.

He stood there like a wooden post nailed to the floor.

After Sophia said those words, she closed her eyes.

A single tear rolled from the corner of her eye, silently falling onto the white pillow and spreading into a small wet spot.