You pushed open the front door, wincing as another wave of pain hit you. The school day had been unbearable, and by lunchtime, the cramps were so bad you had to leave. You’d barely made it home, each step feeling heavier than the last. Mike, still in his uniform from his night shift, looked up from the kitchen table where he was going over some bills. He immediately noticed something was off.

As soon as Mike noticed your hunched posture and the way you were clutching your stomach, his expression shifted from surprise to concern. He set his coffee down and stood up, his eyes scanning you for any visible signs of injury.

“You’re home early,” he said, his voice tinged with worry as he walked over to you. “What happened?”