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𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄

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"Sunshine, how are you feeling?" Dr. Novak asked as she entered the room, her expression serious yet calm.

Sunshine let out a deep, exhausted sigh. She shifted uncomfortably on the exam table, her fingers gently stroking the curve of her swollen belly. It felt like her body was moving at a pace she couldn't keep up with, a race against time she hadn't signed up for. "Honestly, I feel like shit,"

Dr. Novak pulled up a chair, her brows furrowed with concern as she sat down. "The nausea meds still aren't working?"

Sunshine shook her head.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Dr. Novak said softly before flipping open the chart in her lap. "The baby's development looks good, but..." She paused, glancing up at Sunshine with a look of concern. " The baby is developing much faster than we'd typically expect. I'm afraid it's becoming more likely that we'll need to perform an emergency c-section—and soon."

Sunshine's heart dropped, her mind spinning. "What?"

Dr. Novak offered a gentle, reassuring smile. "I know it's a lot to take in, but given how fast things are progressing, it's important to prepare. I will write you a note to excuse you from school for the rest of the pregnancy . Your priority now is rest—lots of bed rest, Sunshine. It's the best thing you can do for yourself and the baby right now."

The words felt too much to process at once. It had only been five months since she found out she was pregnant, and now she was nearly ready to give birth. The room spun slightly as she tired to steady her breath.

"I know it's overwhelming, and it's happening fast," Dr. Novak said softly, her voice warm with reassurance. "But everything is going to be okay. You're in good hands, Sunshine."

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Sunshine sat at the kitchen island, a half-eaten bowl of oatmeal in front of her, the spoon resting limply in her hand. She stared at the bowl, absentmindedly stirring the oats, feeling as if eating had become a chore.

She sighed, setting the spoon down and resting her hands on her swollen belly. The excitement she'd once felt about becoming a mother had started to feel distant, overshadowed by how fast everything was moving.

A creak at the back door startled her, pulling her from her thoughts. Her head snapped up just in time to see Constance let herself in, a car seat—still wrapped in plastic—dangling from her arm.

"Constance," Sunshine greeted, straightening slightly in her chair. The tension between them still lingered but Sunshine had resolved to keep things civil, if only for the sake of her sanity.

"You know, I've been thinking about you," Constance said, her Southern drawl smooth. She set the car seat down, eyes sweeping the kitchen before landing on Sunshine. "Thinking about everything you've been through—and being pregnant on top of it all. Lord knows it's not easy. So, I did a little shopping for the baby."

Constance stepped closer, her heels clicking against the floor. "Thought it might help take a bit of stress off your shoulders."

Sunshine glanced at the car seat, forcing a polite smile. "Thank you, Constance. I really appreciate it."

Constance moved to the counter, resting her manicured hands on the back of a chair. "How's the baby?"

Sunshine exhaled deeply. "He's growing fast."

A brief silence stretched between them as Constance's eyes lingered on her. Then, her tone shifted, this time gentler. "I want you to know," she began, "that I intend to be here for you. Whatever help you need, Sunshine , I'm here. Babies, they're my thing. I have a special gift with them, and as a single mother... well, I know how we tell ourselves we don't need a man, that we can do it all on our own." She paused. "But the secret, darling? The secret is community. Sisterhood."

Sunshine blinked, caught off guard by the sudden warmth in Constance's words. It felt... genuine, and that alone made her suspicious. She nodded, unsure what to say or how to feel about the older woman's unexpected kindness.

Constance's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before she spoke again, her voice quieter this time. "I don't mean to pry, but..." She hesitated as if already knowing the answer. "Has the father made any effort to...?"

"I don't know who he is," Sunshine interrupted, her voice tight. Her jaw flexed as emotions crashed over her, tears brimming in her eyes. She hadn't meant to open up, but the words came out before she could stop them. "I was raped."

A heavy silence followed. She stood there, her expression unreadable as Sunshine quickly wiped the tears from her cheeks.

"Please don't tell anyone," Sunshine added, her voice shaky. "Nobody else knows."

"Of course not," Constance said softly. "You poor thing. What you've been through... no one should have to endure that."

Sunshine forced a weak smile, faking a composure she didn't feel. "Thank you, Constance. For everything."

With a small, sad smile, Constance gave a curt nod and turned toward the door. "Take care of yourself, Sunshine," she said over her shoulder before slipping out.

As the door clicked shut behind her, Sunshine let out a long, weary breath, her hands falling to her lap.

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Sunshine sat on the couch, her feet propped up on a pillow to ease the swelling. Violet was on the floor, sorting through a pile of DVDs, trying to decide what to watch. Since Sunshine was bedridden, she hadn't left the house in days and spent most of her time with Violet and Tate.

She sighed, leaning back into the cushions. Sleep had been elusive—her back constantly ached, and no position felt comfortable anymore.

Their father walked into the room. "Hey, so," he said his eyes flicked between his daughters. "I just got off the phone with the hospital. Your mom's being discharged tomorrow, and we've decided it would be best for all of us to head to Florida to stay with Aunt Jo for a while."

Sunshine froze, her hand instinctively resting on her stomach as her muscles tensed. Violet stopped what she was doing, looking up from the DVDs with wide eyes.

"Uh... Dad?" Sunshine began, pushing herself up slightly. "My doctor doesn't want me leaving the house, let alone getting on a plane right now. I'm way too far along. She said I could go into labor any minute."

Ben waved her concerns off, flashing a reassuring smile. "You'll be fine, Sunshine. It's only a four-hour flight. We'll be with you every step of the way."

Sunshine threw a look at Violet, who sat stiffly. They both knew there was no way Violet could leave the house—ever.

"Dad," Sunshine pressed, "I really don't think it's a good idea. I mean, what if something happens on the way? What if I go into labor mid-flight or before we even get to the airport? The doctor said I need bed rest."

Ben rubbed a hand over his face, clearly exasperated. "I get it, Sunshine. I know it's not ideal, but we're not staying here. It's not safe anymore. We're going to Aunt Jo's, and that's final." His voice took on a firmer tone, the kind that left no room for negotiation.

Sunshine exchanged a panicked look with Violet.

"Dad, please—" Sunshine began again, trying one last time, but he cut her off.

"Enough," Ben snapped, his voice stern but not unkind. "This isn't up for debate. We're leaving tomorrow morning after I pick up your mom, and that's the end of it. Pack what you need tonight."

With that, he gave them both a final, determined look and walked out of the room, leaving Sunshine and Violet in stunned silence.

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