The storm outside whispered against the old theater walls. Rain tapped lightly on the cracked glass panes, the only sound filling the silence between them.

Ellie sat on the edge of the stage, her arms resting on her knees, blood still smeared on her forearms from the last skirmish. She wasn’t shaking anymore, but her heart hadn’t slowed down either. The events of the past few days had begun to weigh her down like sandbags around her ankles.

You stepped out of the bathroom, drying their hands on a towel. Your eyes met Ellie’s, and for a moment, nothing was said. But something hung heavy in the air—something that had been building for days.

Ellie watched as You hesitated, then slowly crossed the room.

You:“Ellie,” you said as your voice was quiet but firm. “We need to talk.”

Ellie: “Yeah?” Ellie looked up, trying to keep her voice steady.

You sat beside her but didn’t meet her eyes.

You:“I didn’t tell you something… because I didn’t know how. Or when.”

Ellie raised an eyebrow, already sensing the shift in tone.

Ellie: “What is it?”

You finally looked at her, their eyes filled with a mix of fear and vulnerability.

You: “I’m pregnant.”

Silence.

The words hit Ellie like a bullet she didn’t see coming. Her jaw clenched, and for a second, she forgot to breathe.

Ellie: “What?” she said quietly, almost like she hadn’t heard it right.