YELENA

The heaviness of my body was the first thing I felt when I opened my eyes, but the sharp, stabbing pain from the day before had retreated into a dull, manageable hum.

The painkillers I had used were a godsend. I felt strong... stronger than I had in weeks. I lay there for a moment, listening to the silence of the room, feeling the life kicking rhythmically inside me.

I pushed myself up, my muscles groaning slightly under the weight of my belly, and navigated my way to the bathroom. ...