11

The instruments were making a regular ticking sound, and I slowly opened my eyes. Every part of my body hurt, like a sharp pain in my heart. I reached out to touch my now-flat belly, feeling an intense emptiness inside me.

The cold wind kept blowing in, making me shiver.

This was my child, how could I not feel any pain?

But I couldn't give him a happy life. I could only hope that in his next life, he would be in a joyful and loving home, where he would be cared for and protected, a life without worries.

**

When Zac arrived at the hospital, it seemed like he was gearing up for a confrontation, fueled by anger. However, all that anger dissipated instantly when he laid eyes on me. He looked at me, appearing fragile and vulnerable, attempting to speak but struggling to find the words.

He took deep breaths, and his jaw tightened as he wrestled with his words. Finally, he managed to speak, his voice trembling, "Do you hate me this much? Is it enough to make you do this to yourself just to