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589 Owning My Choices

Author: Anney GW
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-25 10:17:48

(Winona)

Klara pours me another cup of tea.

“I should be looking after you in my own home, not the other way around. I say as I accept the fresh cup.

“Nonsense. This makes me feel useful.”

“You could never not be useful.” I smile at my trusted friend. So much bad happened in Brussels but so much good did too. Klara was a lifeline over there while I navigated being pregnant and the drama surrounding it.

She made me see that it was the baby that was important, not how it came to be or even who the father would be. Now, despite my best efforts, I have no baby.

“I’ve made a mess of things,” I say finally, staring into my cup. “All I’ve done is put myself first lately.”

Klara sits quietly beside me. “There’s a difference between selfishness and survival, Winona.”

I look up at her. Klara’s expression is gentle, understanding. She doesn’t sugarcoat things, but she doesn’t tear me down either.

“Maybe” I ask. “I feel like it’s the only way I can survive sometimes. To just think of what I want
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