Page 75

I finally told Mom everything. From that mistaken text message to meeting and falling for Gennady, finding out I was pregnant, and finally learning the truth about Dad's death.

Mom listened quietly, occasionally stroking the back of my hand, giving me strength and support. When I got to how Dad died, her body visibly trembled, but she fought to stay calm.

"So you're carrying his child?" Mom's voice was soft, but I could hear the complex emotions underneath.

"Yes." I placed my hand on my still-flat stomach. "Mom, I don't know what to do. I hate him, but this baby is innocent."

Mom was silent for a long time, then said quietly, "The child is innocent. No matter who the father is, this is your baby, with your blood running through its veins."

Her words steadied my heart a little.

"But right now the most important thing is your health." Mom's tone shifted, her expression turning serious. She reached out to gently touch my increasingly gaunt face. "Cassie, you can't go on like this. Look at you, how skinny you've gotten. Even for the baby's sake, you need to get healthy again."

Her fingers trembled as they touched my protruding cheekbones. I saw tears instantly well up in her eyes. Mom was trying to be strong, but I knew how much it hurt her to see me like this.

"But I can't eat anything." My voice was weak as a feather. "Not only can't I keep anything down, but just the smell of food makes me want to throw up. Mom, I feel like my body doesn't belong to me anymore. I can't control anything."

Deep pain flashed through Mom's eyes, that kind of suffering that's a thousand times worse than being hurt yourself. She gently, carefully pulled me into her arms, just like when I was a little girl, afraid that too much force would break me.

"Cassie, my baby, my heart." Her voice choked up as she stroked my hair over and over. "I know you're hurting and that you don't want anything right now. But remember, you're not bearing this alone. I will stay with you, stay until you're better and don't need me anymore."

Her embrace was so warm, so safe. That familiar scent—the faint smell of laundry detergent mixed with her unique scent—instantly transported me back to childhood. Back then, nomatter what trouble I faced, hiding in Mom's arms made the whole world feel safe again.

"Mom." I held her tight, feeling the rhythm of her heartbeat. "I'm so scared. Scared I'll never get past this pain, scared I'll be a terrible mother, scared this baby will suffer because of my weakness."

"No, baby, absolutely not." Mom kissed my forehead, her lips warm and soft. "You're the kindest, strongest girl in the world. You feel fragile now, but that's only because your heart's been badly wounded. Wounds heal, pain passes, and you'll stand up again."

In her gentle voice, in her rhythmic stroking, I felt a long-lost peace. All those anxious, fearful voices buzzing in my head started to fade, replaced by a deep sense of security.

Thanks to Mom's presence, my mental state improved noticeably. Though my body remained weak, and morning sickness still tortured me every day, music gave me a reason to keep going.

We even started planning for the future.

"When you're feeling better, we can move to another city," Mom said while preparing nutritious soup for me. "Maybe Seattle, or Portland. They have good music schools and hospitals."

"New city, fresh start." I touched my belly. Though I couldn't feel movement yet, I knew the little life was growing strong in there. "The baby can grow up somewhere safe."

"Yes, away from all the danger and lies." Hope sparkled in Mom's eyes. "We'll give them a childhood full of love and music."

The apartment filled with violin music again. The notes echoed through the shabby room, as if breathing soul into the broken space. I closed my eyes, letting myself sink completely into the world of music, temporarily forgetting all pain and fear.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang from downstairs.

I stopped playing, frowning. We weren't expecting anyone and hadn't ordered anything.

The doorbell rang again, more insistent this time.

"I'll check." I set down my bow and walked to the intercom.

"Hello, I'm a delivery driver with an important package for Miss Cassie Monroe. Need her signature in person." A male voice came through the speaker.

I remembered Mom had ordered some prenatal vitamins online a few days ago. Must be that.

"Just a moment, I'll come right down," I told the intercom.

"Cassie, want me to come with you?" Mom poked her head out from the kitchen.

"No need, just the vitamins arriving. I'll be right back." I grabbed my keys.