During the funeral, a raven landed on the girl’s coffin. A second later, everyone present went SPEAK…
She approached the door, pressing her back against the wall. “Go away,” she whispered, fists clenched.
“Please, Emily,” his voice softened, almost pleading. “You know I don’t want to hurt you. Let’s just talk.”
She closed her eyes, tears falling. “There’s nothing to talk about,” she said louder.
“Don’t be childish, Emily,” his tone hardened. “I didn’t come here to stand outside.”
“Then leave,” she said, wiping her tears. “Leave and don’t come back.”
“You’re acting hysterical!” he snapped, pounding the door. “We can handle this like adults.”
“Adults don’t betray people who trust them,” she hissed. “Get out, Michael.”
His footsteps paused, then stopped. “Think you can handle this alone?” he scoffed.
“I hate you,” she whispered, staring at the door. “Get out!”
She heard his steps fade, then silence. After long minutes, she peered through the peephole. Darkness. Empty.
Leaning her forehead against the door, she closed her eyes. The tears stopped. Her heart felt hollow.
In the hallway mirror, she caught her reflection—not a weak girl, but a woman who refused to be a victim. “I’ll manage,” she said, meeting her red-rimmed eyes. “For myself. For my child.”
A month later, the loss of her job had shattered what once felt stable, but it also brought pain and new clarity. Emily couldn’t stay isolated. She needed someone to listen, to support her. After a long silence, she called Owen.
His voice on the line was warm, familiar, like it had been in their childhood. “Hey, Emily! How’re you holding up?” he asked, as if surprised she’d reached out.
She sighed, fighting tears. “I… I don’t know, Owen. Everything’s gone wrong. I got fired. I’m pregnant, and I don’t know what’s next.”
Silence followed. Owen had known Emily forever—her fierce confidence, her determination. Hearing her so broken made his heart ache. “Emily, you’ve always been strong, and you’re not alone. I’m here. We’ll get through this.”
She listened quietly, and something in her chest began to ease. A faint spark of hope flickered. “Owen, I’m so lost.”
“Let’s meet,” he suggested. “Our old café, one hour. Deal?”
“Deal,” she said, a small smile breaking through. “You’ve always been a great friend, Owen.”
At the café, Emily spotted Owen at a corner table, lost in thought. His face was serious, his eyes shadowed with worry. He looked up, and his expression softened into a warm smile. “Hey,” he said, standing to greet her. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.”
“Hey,” she replied, settling across from him. She felt out of place, but his warmth steadied her.
The waitress took their order—tea for Emily, coffee for Owen. As soon as she left, Owen leaned in. “You’re still as beautiful as ever,” he said, eyes locked on hers. “But there’s something different in your eyes now.”
Emily gave a weak smile, unable to hide her bitterness. “You’re right. I’m not the same.”
She sighed. “Everything’s fallen apart, Owen. My job’s gone, my dreams… I can’t make them happen.”
“Emily, you’re wrong,” Owen said firmly. “You’re not broken. It’s tough now, but it’s temporary. You’re strong. You’ve always overcome obstacles, and you will again.”
She stared at her tea, doubting. “You don’t get it,” she whispered. “I don’t know where to start. I don’t know what to do about this baby.”
Owen took her hand, his grip steady. “I’m with you. You’re not alone. If you’re scared, I’ll be your rock. I’ll share this with you. I’m ready to love your child as my own.”..
