chapter eighty six

I lay in the hospital bed, my body aching and my heart heavy with grief. The doctors had confirmed what I already knew: I had suffered a miscarriage. The baby I had been carrying for the past few months was gone.

Tears streamed down my face as I tried to process the loss. I couldn't help but wonder what could have been. Would it have been a boy or a girl? What would their life have been like with a second child? The questions were endless, and the pain was unbearable.

"Mommy," Lily hugged me, and I cried again, "you'll be okay, mom, I'm here," she said.

"Yes, baby. I'll be okay too," I smiled at her.

I had just finished crying when I heard a knock on the door. To my surprise, it was Red, holding a basket full of fruits.

"Hey, Iris. I brought you some fruits," he said with a gentle smile.

My heart swelled with gratitude for his kindness. At that moment, I realized how lucky I was to have people like my friends in my life.

"Thank you so much, Red. This means a lot to me," I said, feeli