Autumn sat at her desk, her back aching as she adjusted her position to accommodate her growing belly. The hum of her laptop was a comforting constant, but the tension in her shoulders spoke of something more. Her fingers tapped rhythmically on the keyboard, each stroke a reminder that work had become her sanctuary—a space where she could momentarily forget the chaos swirling in her personal life.

The late afternoon sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting warm golden hues across the room. It was peaceful, yet an undercurrent of unease lingered. Her phone buzzed on the desk, interrupting the stillness. She glanced at the screen, her breath catching when she...