Arlene
The clinic was unusually quiet as I sat on the examination table, staring at the screen displaying my baby's heartbeat. It was steady, strong, and a little mesmerizing. The doctor smiled warmly at me as she finished the check-up.
"Everything looks perfect, Arlene," she said, gently patting my shoulder.
"Thank you, doctor." I nodded, managing a small smile, but my mind was a tangled mess of thoughts and emotions.
I didn't know if I was ready to be a mother.
"Are you alright though? You sound and look unusually different. It almost feels like I'm with a different person entirely. Is something bothering you?" The doctor quizzed while I managed to force out a smile.
"I am okay. Nothing is wrong. As for looking different, I guess the pregnancy effect is starting to kick in." I joked but it was a forced one. She was the only one who laughed while I just chuckled.
