Epilogue
Gavin has been gone for eight long weeks.
I don’t know if it’s the stress or the worry.
But I haven’t been feeling myself. In the back of my mind, I have concerns I don’t want to name.
I can’t. The sickness I’ve been feeling hasn't gotten any better.
My body aches. Not the kind of ache from my healing process. This is different.
Deciding I need to put myself out of my own misery, I go into the main bathroom.
Opening the vanity, I grab what I'm looking for and follow the instructions. I stand. Walking away from the vanity, I start to pace… thoughts running. I’m in a state of panic.
Pacing until my legs start to hurt, I surrender.
Stepping in front of the mirror, my eyes locked on my reflection. Taking a deep, calming breath, I look down.
The whole world feels like it's coming crashing down on me. I can’t breathe.
A sob erupts from deep inside my chest. I’m not upset, I’m relieved.
I’ve never made it this far. For the first time, I have a baby growing inside of me.
One that was purely made of love, promise, and safety.
My hands cup my stomach. I start dreaming of the same little girl I've spent years dreaming of. Her eyes match mine, but she has Gavin’s nose, and he’s messy head of curls.
“I don’t care who you turn out to be, just know your daddy and I will love you more than life itself.
You will always be safe, cared for, and cherished. ”
The exciting moment vanishes at the sound of my phone ringing. Unknown Number, Oklahoma. Dread consumes me as I pick up the phone and answer the incoming call. “Hello, may I speak with Juniper Petrov?”
“This is her…”
“Mrs. Petrov. This is Nurse Amanda Briggs from McAlester Regional Health Center.”
“McAlester Regional Health Center? What happened…”
“I’m sorry to inform you…“
That's all I hear as my phone falls and crashes against the tile floor. My world tilts.
To Be Continued…