Love Lost, Found Again

In an instant, it felt as though my entire body was gripped by ice, and even my breath seemed to halt. Trembling, I touched my belly, where a child not even two months along was growing—so early that it hadn't yet begun to move.

I clearly remember two weeks ago, when my period was late and I went to the doctor. The joy I felt upon discovering the pregnancy was immense. I had rushed home with the ultrasound scan to show Yusuf. He lifted me off the ground, laughing and shouting, "We're going to have a baby!" Then, gently setting me down, he pressed his ear against my stomach. "Let's see what you're up to in there, little one," he said, which now seems bitterly ironic.

The voice of a young woman, playful and flirtatious, interrupted my thoughts again: "Professor Murphy, what exactly is our relationship?" I heard Yusuf chuckle, "What do you think?"

Instantly, nausea rose in my throat. Was it the morning sickness, or was it their flirtatious banter? Supporting myself against the wall, I snapped a photo of them and turned to leave his office.

I called Cleo: "Set me up an appointment. I need to have an abortion."