Esther’s POV
I pushed my sunglasses up the bridge of my nose and kept my head down. I wanted no one to notice my face as I headed to the Packlands Hospital. With each step, my heart pounded against my ribcage, every beat faster and more erratic than the last.
Inside the cold and sterilized hospital, the fluorescent lights flickered. I felt like I was under a spotlight. Even under my oversized hoodie, I felt bare. The fear I carried felt so raw and vulnerable that it might as well be exposed for all to see.
My hands balled into shaky fists as I walked up to the front desk.
“I’m here for a check-up,” I murmured, barely louder than a whisper.
The nurse gave me a soft nod. Even she could sense my anxiety. After a few quiet rounds of questions, she passed me a clipboard full of forms, then
