A week had passed since the chaos, and though life had seemingly returned to normal, Vivian felt anything but that. The days blurred into one another, a cycle of exhaustion, nausea, and the constant battle of keeping her growing belly hidden beneath her white lab coat.
She stood before the mirror in the staff restroom, her fingers trembling as they smoothed over the front of her coat. No matter how she adjusted it, how she buttoned it just right, the slight swell of her stomach was still there—an undeniable truth pressing against the fabric.
Her heart pounded. Was it obvious? Could anyone tell?
She inhaled sharply, willing herself to stay calm. No one had commented yet, but paranoia clung to her like a second skin. She tugged at the coat, biting her lower lip as she turned from side to
