The doctor’s lips pressed together, and somehow, I found myself holding my breath too. His eyes stayed fixed on the result in his hand, and his expression didn’t help the tight knot forming in my chest.

My heart was pounding, but I sat still, trying not to panic.

He looked up slowly, his face unreadable.

“The result is out,” he said.

I gave him a nervous nod. My fingers curled tightly around my handbag resting on my lap.

He hesitated for a moment, then said, “Miss Melinda… ...