Chapter 12

Market days in Oakridge were always lively. My pregnant belly, now unmistakably rounded, made even simple tasks like shopping feel like an event. With a basket in hand, I slowly wove through the bustling crowd. The sun was warm, and the air carried the mingled scents of fresh produce, bread, and damp earth. This ordinary, peaceful life gave me a sense of calm that I had almost forgotten existed. I had just bought some fresh berries and milk and was about to head home when a sleek, black SUV—its...