14. How Close

I was staring at the cold white ceiling. My hands rested protectively over my stomach, every breath slow and careful. The doctor had been in moments ago. I hadn't lost the baby.

Not yet.

But that didn't mean everything was okay.

"You're under too much stress," the doctor said. "If you don't take care of yourself, there's a risk to the pregnancy. Rest. No more strain."

Yeah right.

I exhaled, trying to focus on anything else. My chest felt tight, and I couldn't push away the image of what might have happened.

Of what could still happen.

Linc knocked on the door and stepped inside.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

I turned my head away, biting back everything I wanted to say.

How was I feeling?

Terrified. Exhausted.

Like the world was slowly caving in.

But none of that mattered. I just wanted my baby to be okay.

"The baby's fine," I whispered. "For now."

He shifted awkwardly near the door, his usual confidence nowhere to be seen.

I pulled myself up into a sitting position, wincing