Shattered Reflections

a's

cision clung to my subconscious, refusing to release its grip. The haunting dreams that had plagued my restless slumber were abruptly interrupted by the shrill ring of my pho

a lifeline in this sea of turmoil. "Hey Em! How are you doing, sweet? I'm sorry about

y words tumbling out in a torrent of anguish. "I... I aborted the baby, Maria. My baby... I

e once again, mingling with the remnants of pain and regret. The raw vulnerability in my voice mirrored the

and wounded soul. Even though her voice softened with empathy as she offered words of comf

at surprised even me. Through choked sobs and anger-laced words,

r to my predicament yet you only made it worse. If it hasn't dawned on you, I killed a person, I murdered my innocent child in cold blood. And it's your fault.You brought that monster into my life, who callously abused and violated me. No wait, it's t

pain sought someone to blame, to bear the burden of my overwhelming remorse. In my grief-stricken state, I di

? Give you my own money or maybe get you a man that will just have a conversation with you for a few hours and p

r me to have sex with a stranger, violating me and leading to the unwanted pregnancy and now an

of bringing a child into a life of suffering. You have your whole future ahead of you. Why put your career o

aming down my face as the weight of my choices and the pain I was experiencing overwhelmed

ords laden with remorse and regret. "Em, I'm so sorry. I never intended for any of this to happen. I never wan

. Maria, too, bore the weight of guilt and responsibility, burdened by her own role in t

nd silence filled the space between us. Then

oon!" And just like that, she hung

lowly subsiding. The day had turned into evening,

events of the previous day. The shrill sound of my alarm jolted me

efreshing embrace of a hot shower. As the water cascaded over me, I tried to

s needed to be eaten, and my dreams of completing my college education and securing a good job stil

ened to overwhelm me. Going through my wardrobe, I carefully selec

. I finally settled on a navy blue skirt, its flowing silhouette representing

I sought to project an image of resilience and optimism.

adjusting the outfit, a glimmer of

k a deep breath, summoning the last reserve

for sustenance, relaxation, and rest. Dropping my heavy bag on the floor, I opened the refrigerator and re

strides, I made my way to the bathroom, yearning for the soothing embrace of a well-deserved shower. As the warm water

y wrapping my body in a towel. I swiftly turned off the heater, keen on saving every penny possible. Retrieving my now-warm meal, I settled onto my

from Maria. “Hey sweet, are you up for a cockta

that again. Not after what

s so I pulled out the bedspread and put another one. As I laid on my back, staring at the ceiling, a mix of thoughts flooded my mind—my baby, Ethan, school, bills. With nothing else to do, I let the random thoughts dance through my

o entertain any visitors. Ignoring it, I hoped that whoever was on the other sid

gged myself out of bed, grumbling under my breath about the unwelcome interruption. As I made my way to the

reached the door and opened it, ready to confront

that doesn't know in

ha

t was Ethan, the same person who had caused so much turmoil and pain in my life. I

e you do