The bus driver notices a CRYING girl every day, looks under the SEAT after getting off and FAILS at what he sees…

She twisted her hands in her lap. It’s such an impossible situation. My daughter carrying my husband’s child while I’m eight months pregnant with his child as well? Walter remained silent, understanding there was nothing he could say to ease such an unimaginable burden.

I never suspected, Laura continued, her voice barely above a whisper. I thought leaving her with Greg while I stayed at my mother’s house to prepare for the baby was the right thing to do. Our family has this tradition.

She trailed off, shaking her head. How could I have been so blind? You couldn’t have known, Walter said gently. Men like Greg are expert manipulators.

They hide their true nature. Laura nodded, though she didn’t seem convinced. She started to stand, one hand bracing against the arm of the chair.

I should get back to Rory. We still have so much to discuss about what happens next. As she rose to her feet, Eleanor, Rory’s grandmother, approached from the hallway.

Her face was drawn, her eyes red from crying, but she carried herself with rigid dignity. Laura, Rory is asking for you, she said, then turned to Walter. Mr. Harmon, I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced.

I’m Eleanor Parker, Rory’s grandmother. Walter stood and shook her hand. It’s good to meet you, Mrs. Parker, though I wish it were under better circumstances.

Suddenly, Laura gasped sharply, doubling over, her face contorted in pain as she clutched her abdomen. Laura? Eleanor rushed to her daughter’s side. What’s wrong? I think, Laura managed between gritted teeth, the baby’s coming.

Walter immediately called for help, and within moments, medical staff converged on them. Laura’s water had broken and contractions were coming rapidly. She’s only thirty-eight weeks, Eleanor told the doctor, her voice trembling.

The baby wasn’t due for another two weeks. The stress likely triggered early labor, the doctor explained, as they helped Laura onto a wheelchair. We need to get her to the maternity ward immediately.

As they began to wheel her away, Laura reached out and grasped Walter’s wrist. Please, she gasped through another contraction, stay with Rory, don’t leave her alone. Walter nodded.

I promise. Eleanor looked torn, glancing between her daughter being wheeled away and the direction of Rory’s room. Rory shouldn’t be alone right now, but Laura needs me too.

Go with your daughter, Walter assured her. I’ll stay with Rory until you can return. Eleanor hesitated only briefly before nodding.

Thank you. I’ll come back as soon as I can. As Eleanor hurried after the medical team transporting her daughter, Walter cautiously entered Rory’s room.

The girl sat on the edge of her bed, her face a mask of fear and confusion. Is my mom going to be okay, she asked as soon as she saw Walter. Your mom is strong, Walter reassured her, taking a seat in the chair beside her bed.

The doctors are taking good care of her. Rory nodded, though she didn’t look convinced. She got so upset when we were talking about what to do.

Her hand unconsciously went to her stomach. Grandma was saying I should keep it, that we could say it was someone else’s, a boy from school or something. Walter kept his expression neutral, though inwardly he was troubled by the suggestion…