Chapter 37- I should never have left Blackvine

I shake my head, my body too stiff to move along with her. "No, I can't be pregnant. It's not possible." I whisper, my tone stricken with fear.

How can I care for my child when I can barely find any food out here. I'm good at running, not hunting. Maybe I should return.

Maybe I should beg and take whatever I can get from Blackvine. But my child will grow up to be rejected, an unwanted member in the pack just like their mother.

I can't allow them face such shame. I can't be pregnant.

Sarah's expression remains calm and relaxed. "Have you ever had sex with a man, child?"

I hesitate but she nods all the same, her eyes filled with understanding. "Then you can be pregnant. Once is all it takes, child. And your symptoms, the vomiting, weakness - they all point to pregnancy."

I find it hard to swallow, feeling like I've been punched in the gut.

I'm not ready to be a mother. I can't do it.

The old woman watches my stomach for a while before she glances back up at me. “You are lucky you a