Chapter 16: A Breath of Fresh Air
Diane's POV
The weight of betrayal pressed heavily on my chest, making it hard to breathe. Mom and Joan, my pillars of strength, insisted it was time for me to get out of Joan's house and clear my head. I reluctantly agreed, knowing they were right, but a gnawing anxiety clawed at me as we stepped outside.
The park was bustling with life—children running, laughing, and chasing after colorful balls. I watched a little girl with pigtails giggle as she caught a bright red ball, her carefree spirit a sharp contrast to the storm inside me. My hand drifted to my stomach, an unconscious gesture. I swallowed hard. What kind of life would I give my baby now?
For a moment, I allowed myself to imagine what it would be like to have my own children running through this very park.
"Look at that, Diane," Mom said, pointing to a woman pushing a stroller. "Remember when you and Sophie were that small? I used to bring you both here all the time."
The mention of Sophie stung, but I pushed the feelings aside. "I remember, Mom. Those were good times."
Joan squeezed my arm. "And there will be good times again, sweetie. You're stronger than you know."
I smiled weakly, but my thoughts were miles away. How could there be good times when every breath felt like shards of glass in my lungs?
As the sun began to set, our stomachs growled. "Why don't we grab some dinner?" Joan suggested. "There's a cozy little Italian restaurant around the corner."
Mom nodded enthusiastically. "That sounds lovely. What do you think, Diane?"
I wasn't hungry, but I nodded. "Sure, why not?"