Chapter 4

"No," I said. "He cannot hear me."

The heavy car door slammed shut, cutting off the sound of the storm.

Maren pulled away from the curb.

An exhale crackled with static through the phone.

"Your pregnancy test is positive."

Dr. Monroe paused.

"Based on the bloodwork, you are seven to eight weeks along."

Streetlights blurred into long yellow streaks across the windshield.

Pregnant.

My hand found its way to my stomach.

For years, this exact phone call had been a quiet fantasy. The imagined version always included running through our house, shouting Damon's name, pressing his palm flat against my…