I wake up to the soft glow slipping through the cabin curtains, that golden kind of morning light that seems to whisper, “Hey, take it easy… today’s going to be kinder.” And for the first time since I arrived, my stomach isn’t twisting like a washing machine. I actually feel… okay. Tired, sure—pregnancy—but okay. And that’s already a victory. I stretch slowly, rest a hand over my belly, and murmur: “Good morning, baby. Let’s try not to embarrass ourselves today, alright?” I get up and walk to the bathroom. The cold wooden floor is somehow both uncomfortable and comforting—perfectly matching my emotional state. I take a hot shower, one of those that seem to melt your soul and send it swirling down the drain. When I’m done, wrapped in a towel, I think about Marco from last night. He cou

