12. Mine

Browsing through the maternity section made everything feel surreal. Tiny outfits hung on racks, each a reminder of the life growing inside me. I trailed my hand over a little onesie, imagining my baby wearing it.

I hadn't planned on being here, in this aisle, pregnant and alone, but here I was.

And somehow, despite everything, I was managing.

"Look at this one," Indy said, holding up a pair of tiny overalls with a smile. She had been my rock through all of this. We were in Statesboro, far enough away from Augusta that I let myself relax a little.

No one knew me here. No one would look at me and see Castor Roman's runaway Luna. I could just be Lila, a pregnant woman preparing for her baby.

"Those are adorable," I said, reaching out to feel the fabric. It was soft, so perfect for a newborn. I imagined my baby in them, snuggled in my arms, safe and warm.

For a moment, the reality of my situation faded, and I allowed myself to feel happy.

Indy nudged me with her elbow. "You're