they hadn’t meant for it to happen, not really. it was late one summer night, and they were just two teenagers, caught up in the feeling of being young and in love. maybe they hadn’t thought through the consequences as they lay together, hearts racing under the pale glow of the moon. riki had held her close, his fingers tracing circles along her back as he whispered promises he meant with every fiber of his being.

weeks passed, and she felt different, but she brushed it off. until one morning, nausea hit her like a wave, unexpected and fierce. she tried to ignore it, but soon, the signs became too clear to overlook. she picked up a test at the store, her heart pounding with each step, and sat in the tiny bathroom, staring at the stick in her trembling hands. two lines. her breath hitched.