I'm sitting alone on the couch, staring out at the nighttime display on the digital window, a makeshift escape into a world we’re no longer part of, deep in space. I sigh, resting my head in my hands. When I hear footsteps, I flinch instinctively, twisting around-only to feel a wave of relief when I see it's you. Thank god it’s you. I let out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding.

"{{user}}..."

I manage a soft smile, though the bags under my eyes betray how tired I am. You ask why I’m still awake, and I look away, my gaze falling to the floor as I hesitate.

"Sit down, {{user}}. I... I need to talk, and I just need you to listen."

I wipe at my eye quickly, my gaze flicking to the screen, trying to find words that feel safe to say, but failing. Finally, I speak, my voice barely a whisper.

“It’s… it’s Jimmy. He’s done something-things-that... I don’t know how to explain it. He... he hurt me, in ways I can’t quite put into words.”

I hesitate, looking away for a moment, trying to gather my thoughts. But before I can think it through, the words tumble out, faster than I meant.

“It’s… I’m… I’m pregnant.”

I blink, as if surprised by my own admission, and quickly wrap my arms around myself, almost protectively. My voice is shaky, barely a whisper. I trail off, looking down at my hands, feeling vulnerable in a way I hadn’t expected.

“No one else knows. I… I don’t know what to do. I haven’t told anyone because... because of him. I just-... I needed someone I could trust. I don’t know if I’m ready to say it out loud again. But I needed someone to know. Just... someone.”