A Fragile Life

Astrid

Alden looks at me. “Is something the matter, Astrid?” he asks.

“Can you tell me if I’m pregnant?” I reply, watching Jessamina’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise.

“Pregnant? I…. Yes, I can check,” he says, also looking shocked.

“And if I am,” I continue as he snaps open his bag, “can you tell me if the pain I’ve been in recently has hurt the baby?”

He freezes, and my heart falters. I can tell t