Chapter 2 A fragile new beginning

Laura was discharged the next day, uncertain of what the future held for her and her unborn child. As she stepped out of the hospital, fear tightened around her chest-she had nowhere to go. But before she could walk far, a car pulled up beside her.

Dr. Carter, the doctor who had cared for her, rolled down the window. "Laura, do you have anywhere to go?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Tears welled in her eyes as she shook her head.

"Come inside," he offered gently. "My wife and I run a shelter for traumatized and displaced people. You can stay there if you don't mind."

A surge of relief washed over her. This felt like a blessing, a gift from the heavens when she had nothing left. Without hesitation, she got into the car.

As he drove, he continued, "I'll speak to a friend of mine who owns a company downtown. Hopefully, he'll have a job for you to support yourself until your memory recovers."

Laura could hardly believe his kindness. Gratitude swelled in her chest, though she struggled to find the right words to express it.

Dr. Carter took her to the shelter-a home for women recovering from trauma and those with nowhere else to turn. The moment she arrived, she felt unseen eyes watching her. The other women had clearly been informed of her arrival. Some offered small, polite smiles, while others observed her with a mix of pity and quiet judgment.

She hated it.

After a brief introduction, she was shown to her room. It wasn't too big or too small, just enough to accommodate her. A safe space, yet she still felt out of place.

For days, she kept to herself, uninterested in making acquaintances. The matron, a kind but firm woman, checked on her often, bringing food and engaging her in small talk. She never pressured Laura to respond, but it was clear she was watching closely, as if afraid she might shatter at any moment.

Maybe she already had.

Three days later, Dr. Carter arrived with unexpected news.

"How are you doing, Laura?" he asked as he stepped into her room.

"I'm fine," she replied automatically, though they both knew it was a lie.

He sighed. "I heard you've barely left your room. The matron is worried you might be slipping into depression."

Laura remained silent, unsure of how to respond.

"That's why I had to move quickly," he continued. "I reached out to a friend of mine who owns a company nearby. He's looking for a secretary, and I recommended you."

Laura blinked, caught off guard. A job? Just like that?

"I... I don't even remember who I am," she murmured. "How do I know I'll be able to do it? Maybe I should take something simpler-like waitressing."

Dr. Carter chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't you believe in yourself?" he asked gently.

She hesitated. Did she?

Seeing her uncertainty, he smiled. "I explained your situation to my friend. He wants to help as much as I do. He's willing to train you, and as long as you can read and write, he's happy to have you."

Warmth spread through her chest-gratitude. She had nothing to offer in return, yet this man was going out of his way for her.

"I don't know how to thank you," she said softly.

He patted her shoulder. "You can thank me by taking care of yourself and excelling at your job."

For the first time, he felt like more than just a doctor. In that moment, he was like the father she had never known-or perhaps never had.

The job turned out to be better than she expected. The CEO, Dr. Carter's friend, welcomed her warmly and took the time to explain everything. Bit by bit, she learned. She adjusted.

And for a while, she felt normal.

But time moved faster when one was trying to forget.

Nine months passed in a blur.

She was working late at the office when it happened. A sharp pain tore through her stomach, so intense that she nearly collapsed. A rush of warmth between her legs confirmed what she feared-her water had broken.

Somehow, she managed to drag herself to the hospital-the same hospital where she had first woken up from her coma.

The pain was unbearable, but that wasn't the worst part. The doctors informed her there were complications. She needed an emergency C-section.

Darkness swallowed her before she could protest.

When she woke up, exhaustion weighed heavily on her. Her body ached, drained of every ounce of strength. As she turned her head, she saw the matron from the shelter sitting beside her.

At least this time, she wasn't alone.

Seeing her awake, the matron quickly stood and asked how she was feeling before rushing out to call the doctor.

Moments later, the doctor arrived, checking her vitals with a neutral expression. "You're recovering well," he said.

Then, he turned to leave. But something in his demeanor sent a ripple of unease through her.

Why hadn't anyone mentioned her baby?

A cold chill spread through her.

"How... how is my baby?" she asked hesitantly.

The doctor stopped in his tracks, his expression unreadable.

Then, he said the words that shattered her.

"I'm sorry, Laura... but your child didn't survive."