“You have to toughen up to survive this unforgiving life.”

~~~

I waved down a taxi and sunk into the back seat. The pulsating pain in my stomach was the least of my worries. I couldn’t bear the misery of keeping such a grave secret to myself. It was like hiding a deadly ailment.

When the taxi came to a halt, I paid the driver and hopped out. As I made sluggish steps towards the door, my heartbeat picked a new rhythm. Confiding in my family would mean compromising their safety but if I kept mum, I would have to bear the aftermath of my plight. The door pulled open...