Chapter 4: Stay
Chapter 2: Stay
Ashley's head pounded, the pain so intense it radiated to her eyes. She had no choice but to stop by a pharmacy before leaving. After washing her tear-streaked face, she applied minimal makeup to hide the puffiness, then pulled on a face cap and sunglasses to avoid recognition.
By the time Ashley arrived at the pharmacy, her body burned with fever, and her muscles ached unbearably.
A pharmacist attended to her as she slumped onto a brown couch, facing several counters stacked with different packs of medicine.
"What symptoms are you experiencing, ma'am?"
She listed them, hoping for a quick remedy. The pharmacist listened attentively, then gave her a curious look.
"Have you considered taking a pregnancy test?"
Ashley blinked in confusion. "Pregnancy?" That hadn't even crossed her mind.
"Your symptoms align with early pregnancy. I'd advise taking a test to be sure."
Her stomach twisted uncomfortably. A pregnancy test? That wasn't possible... right?
But doubt crept in, mingling with the anxiety already simmering inside her. Against her better judgment, she bought a home pregnancy kit, her hands clammy as she took the brown paper bag and left.