The rhythmic beeping of a heart monitor was the first thing Ever heard as she slowly regained consciousness. Her body felt weak, her mind hazy, but the sterile scent of antiseptic and the faint murmur of voices outside her room confirmed what she already suspected she was in a hospital.
She blinked up at the ceiling, trying to piece together what had happened. Then it hit her.
Natalia's pregnancy test. The note. The overwhelming shock.
A soft knock at the door pulled her from her spiraling thoughts. The doctor, a woman in her late forties with kind eyes, stepped in, holding a clipboard.
"Miss Miller, you gave us quite the scare," she said gently. "How are you feeling?"
Ever swallowed, her throat dry. "Tired… confused."
The doctor nodded, checking her IV and vitals before meeting Ever's gaze. "Before anyone else comes in, there's something important I need to tell you."
Ever's heart pounded. "What is it?"
