During the funeral, a raven landed on the girl’s coffin. A second later, everyone present went SPEAK…

Stumbling to the kitchen, she switched on the coffee maker, its gurgles filling the silence as she fried eggs and bacon. The aroma was tempting, but the first bite brought a wave of nausea. “Oh, God,” she gasped, clamping a hand over her mouth and rushing to the bathroom.

Nausea hit harder. She gripped the sink, eyes squeezed shut, fighting dizziness. Splashing cold water on her wrists helped briefly, but the unease lingered. “What’s wrong with me?” she muttered, dabbing her face with a towel.

She stood before the mirror, studying her reflection. Pale skin, dark circles under her eyes. Maybe just stress? “I should take a day off,” she mumbled, but dismissed the thought. Days off were a luxury she couldn’t afford.

Hurrying to get ready, Emily headed to work. The office buzzed with familiar chaos—keyboards clacking, colleagues chatting by the water cooler. Each step felt heavier. She sank into her chair, barely catching herself as dizziness struck again.

“Hey, you okay? You look rough,” Sarah’s voice startled her. Sarah, her friend and coworker, perched on the edge of the desk, eyeing her with concern.

“I don’t know,” Emily replied, clutching a glass of water. She took a few sips, the cold liquid spreading through her, but the nausea persisted.

Sarah leaned closer, her voice low. “Could you be pregnant?”

The word hung in the air, loud in the quiet office. Emily froze. “What?” she whispered, as if she hadn’t heard.

“Morning sickness, dizziness. Have you considered it?” Sarah raised an eyebrow, probing.

“No,” Emily said, her voice shaking. “That’s impossible.”

“Very possible,” Sarah said with a knowing look. “When was your last period?”

“Sarah, stop!” Emily’s tone sharpened. She clenched her fists, tears pricking her eyes. “Sorry, I just…” Sarah bit her lip, squeezing Emily’s shoulder. “But if it’s true, better to know now than panic later.”

“It’s not,” Emily said, louder than intended. “I’m just under the weather. Maybe a cold or blood pressure.”

Sarah nodded, but her eyes remained wary. “Fine, but if it gets worse, promise you’ll tell me.”

“I promise,” Emily said, lacking conviction.

The computer screen blurred before her. Her thoughts drifted far from work. Pregnant… God, no, not that. She pictured Michael’s confident stride, his commanding voice. If it’s true, what do I do? Tell him? Keep quiet?

The workday dragged on. Documents and reports merged into a haze. Her pen trembled, numbers jumbled in her mind. She opened a spreadsheet, staring blankly, her brain refusing to process the data.

By evening, she slipped on her coat and left the office quietly, avoiding colleagues’ chatter at the exit. Her bag felt heavy, the wind whipping hair into her face. She tucked it behind her ear, irritated.

She stopped outside a pharmacy, its red sign glowing. “Just do it,” she whispered, stepping inside. Rows of bottles and boxes lined the shelves, but her eyes locked on a small box: Pregnancy Test. She grabbed it and approached the counter.

“That all?” the cashier asked, glancing at the item.

“Yes,” Emily said, eyes down.

At home, she locked the bathroom door. “Come on,” she muttered, tearing open the package with shaking hands. “It’s just a test. Just lines.”

Minutes later, it was done. She set the test on the sink and sank to the floor. The wait felt eternal, her heart pounding louder than the ticking clock. Three minutes passed. She leaned forward.

Two lines.

Her vision darkened. She collapsed against the wall, hugging her knees. “Idiot,” she whispered, tears streaming down her face. “I’m such an idiot.” Sobs racked her body, giving way to quiet whimpers. Wiping her face, she grabbed her phone.

Michael, I’m pregnant. I don’t know what to do.

She stared at the text, then hit send. Five minutes passed. An hour. No reply…