Night had fallen, and Anna sat curled up in bed, her knees drawn to her chest as waves of pain coursed through her body. Her abdomen felt like it was on fire, the cramps relentless and unforgiving. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she bit down on her lip, trying to muffle her cries. The heating pad Alexander had brought earlier in the day offered little relief, and the painkillers seemed to have done nothing.
She hadn't seen Alexander since the afternoon when he'd awkwardly handed her the basket of essentials. Though the gesture had been thoughtful, his absence now felt unbearable. She hated feeling so vulnerable, but more than that, she hated the growing ache in her heart, an ache she couldn't quite name.
Anna clutched her stomach, whimpering as another wave of pain hit her. Her tears soaked the pillow, and she clenched her fists tightly, hoping for some kind of reprieve. But the pain only intensified, leaving her feeling helpless and utterly alone.
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