Chapter 51

But as the pain surged once more, my thoughts descended into a state of chaos. Panic surged within me, fueled by the realization that I might have to face the imminent birth of my child without a safe haven. The torrential rain mirrored the turmoil within me, as I clung to my tummy, a physical anchor amidst the tempest of emotions.

In the midst of the downpour, a flicker of hope sparked within me. I spotted a house nestled in the area, a beacon of possibility in the darkness. A surge of optimism surged through my veins, emboldening me to summon every ounce of courage I possessed. With each step, my heart pounded with a renewed sense of purpose, my breath mingling with a silent prayer for sanctuary.

A deep sigh of relief escaped my lips as I approached the door, my body trembling with exhaustion and pain. A middle-aged woman, her neck adorned with a bright yellow scarf, unlocked the door, her eyes narrowing as they met mine. I offered her a friendly smile, desperate for h