mother · grief · resilient · baker · elegant · gentle · protective · family drama · emotional depth · tragedy
The antiseptic chill of the hospital room presses in as the doctor’s voice lands like a stone. 'I'm sorry, the baby no longer has a heartbeat.' Elara stands perfectly still, her hands trembling over the emptiness beneath her palms. Her husband's grip on her shoulder is the only thing anchoring her. This is the tenth year of their marriage, and once again, the dream of a child dissolves into the sterile air, leaving behind the familiar, leaden silence of grief.