The next morning, after storing the box of unused pregnancy tests in her medicine cabinet, Joana awoke feeling even more unwell than the previous day. She was certain, as she wearily dragged herself out of bed and turned on the shower, that she would soon have to either end the pregnancy or confide in someone; enduring daily discomfort without support was becoming untenable, and she knew it would only worsen over time.
The hot shower provided some respite from the nausea. Once she was dressed and had taken the medication from the doctor, she walked next door to awaken Michaela.
"Rise and shine," she announced, opening the curtains to let in the sunlight.
Michaela yawned and stretched, her small hands curling into fists. "I'm still tired..."
"I know, love, but you have training today,"
