225

David left Mrs. Ada's room and walked upstairs along the solid wood staircase. Elowen's room was on the third floor. He knocked and walked in. She was inside, organizing the baby's things.

"Elowen, there's something I need to discuss with you," David said seriously.

"What is it? David, you can decide," Elowen said, leaning her head on his shoulder.

David pushed her head away and, after hesitating, said, "Elowen, Mom and I talked, and we think it's best not to keep this child."

"What?" Elowen suddenly stood up, her face full of panic and bewilderment. "You're joking, right? The baby is almost four months old. David, are you still doubting that he's not your child? When he's born, we can do a paternity test..."

"Elowen, calm down," David said in a deep voice. "Let me explain. Our affair has been exposed, and the organization is investigating. This child is now a big problem. If we don't terminate the pregnancy, my career will be over."

Elowen didn't speak but cried with her face in her