Mary sat by the window, staring out at the fading afternoon light. Her hands were folded tightly in her lap, her mind racing. The door creaked open, Sarah stepped in, carrying the warmth and familiarity of years of friendship.
"Mary you wanted to see me what is it?"
Sarah said softly closing the door behind her.
" you sounded urgent on the phone what's going on? Did Daniel buried you?"
Mary swallowed hard, her chest tightening.
"Sarah... I messed up." Sarah's eyes softened, concerned written across her face."what happen?
Mary shook a shaky breath." I...I'm pregnant"
For a moment, Sarah just stared a her mouth slightly open." You are joking right?"
"No" Mary answered.
" are you crazy?" Sarah shouted.
" how can you do this? are you trying to get yourself killed. Have you forgotten that your daughter is Mrs Carter hands. If she finds about this you are done neither you or your daughter will survive. "
Mary kneled down crying " I know I messed up. I didn't expect things to turn out like this. And I don't know what to do. It's was just a mistake, an accident. "
" how long? "Sarah asked." I just found out this morning "
Mary whispered her voice trembling.
"Does Daniel knows about this?"
She asked again.
" no. You know I can't tell him."
A shadow of worried crossed Sarah as she reached for her hand. " so what are you going to do?"
She asked.
" I don't know "
Mary replied with tears in her eyes.
Silence felt between them, heavy bit understanding.
Finally Sarah spoke, her voice firm yet gentle.
" Mary...whatever you need just tell me, I'll be her for you."
A small, grateful smile broke through Mary's tears.
" thank you, Sarah I don't know what I would do without you."
They sat together in quiet solidarity, the weight of Mary's secret binding them closer outside, the world went on , but in small room , the bond of friendship - and the hope for future - felt unbreakable.
Sarah watches her for a moment - trembling shoulders, the fear, the exhaustion.
Then she takes a slow breath and ask the question Mary never prepared herself to hear.
" so do you plan to keep this baby?"
Mary stiffens.
Her fingers curled into the bedsheets
She doesn't speak for several seconds. The silence grows heavy.
Finally Mary lift her eyes - scared, confused, heartbroken.
"I...I honestly don't know Sarah."
Her voice cracks.
She pressed a hand over her stomach, as if trying to feel something there. Something real, something she should be certain but isn't.
Mary teary. " I'm scared.... of Mrs Carter, of losing my daughter... of losing everything. "
How can I even think Cleary about this baby. When my whole life is falling apart.
Sarah moves closer and wraps an arm gently around her shoulders.
" but think about it if you keep the baby, Mrs Carter won't let you go if she finds out and now that she is planning Daniel's marriage with the von. the richest family after the Carters. She won't let you ruin it. and if you abort..." she pause " Daniel won't let you go either, you know how scary and dangerous he is when his angry."
She continues. " and if you decide to tell Daniel about, yes he will accept it and takes responsibility which I am sure about it. cause everyone knows how much he cares about you and When it come to you he can do anything. which there is a possibility of him canceling the engagement. And that where the problem rise."
Sarah squeezes her hands lighter.
" Mary listen I am not telling what decision to make . I will never do that. But Mary.... you need to choose from the heart .not the fear."
Sarah warmly: " you're a good mother. A strong one you've survive things many people would break under. So ask yourself this. If Mrs Carter weren't in the picture... if no one could punish you..... what would you want?"
Mary takes a shaky breath.
"I ....I don't know. I want my daughter to safe and sound. I want ... peace."
Sarah gives sad smile.
" and you deserve all that. But Mary running and hiding won't bring you peace. Being honest with yourself."
Mary learns against Sarah, letting her friend support her fully for the first time.
" Mary whatever you chooses.... I'll stand with you , even of Mrs Carter turns the whole mansion upside down."
She paused
Her voice softens again.
" but don't let fear make the decision for you, let your heart speak just this once."
Mary close her eyes tears slipping down. Silently, thinking, breathing, trying to hear her own heart beneath all the noise.