Emma's first night in her new home was a mixture of joy and sorrow.
The joy came from escaping the place that had confined her for seven years. Moving felt like a kind of rebirth, a taste of freedom.
The sorrow came from the child in her belly. To make a clean break with the past and for the sake of her own health, she had to terminate the pregnancy.
Although she had spent weeks mentally preparing herself, as the day drew nearer, Emma couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness.
She slept poorly and woke up early to get ready, preparing all the sanitary items she would need for the procedure. She had found an experienced postpartum care provider online who, despite being expensive, seemed perfect in every other way.
With everything packed, Emma took a cab to the hospital.
Waiting outside the procedure room, her heart pounded with anxiety.
There were quite a few young women waiting in line for abortions. Just like at her prenatal check-ups, most of them were accompanied by family, friends, or partners. Only Emma was alone.
Her phone rang. It was the caregiver she had hired.
Emma answered, telling the woman her floor, her location, and what she was wearing.
Less than ten minutes later, a young-looking girl with a ponytail, carrying a huge, worn-out woven bag, stood before her.
"Hello, are you…"
Emma looked at the young girl, momentarily taken aback.
"Hi, I'm Kelly Morgan, the caregiver you just spoke with!"

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