The house lay in heavy silence, pressing in on Mira and making her fully aware of how utterly alone she was.

Since becoming pregnant six months ago, Mira had spent most of her days at home, moving slowly through rooms that had once felt warm but now only echoed her thoughts back to her.

Willam, her husband, had insisted she give up her small coffee shop, saying a pregnant woman should not be stressed or overworked. She had no choice but to close it, and with it went the routine that had once filled her hours and given her a sense of purpose.

Now, the ticking clock in the hallway...