Meghan
I stand in front of the mirror, fingers trembling as I try to adjust the collar of my blouse. The fabric feels like it's strangling me, each breath a little too tight. I can't seem to focus, and my reflection looks strange—faintly familiar, but not like me anymore. It's like I'm seeing someone else in the glass, someone who isn't already drowning in guilt, shame, and fear.
The dinner tonight is supposed to be a celebration. A time for all of us to come together, to have a good meal, to toast to Chloe and Aaron’s future. But I can barely breathe thinking about it. I never asked for any of this. I never planned to be carrying Aaron's baby, and I certainly never planned for it to unfold like this.
I glance down at my stomach. The life inside of me—a constant reminder of one reckless
