The doorknob turned slowly, as if whoever stood on the other side hesitated before entering. A soft creak broke the stillness of the room. Zoe, curled at the edge of the bed with swollen, reddened eyes, lifted her face with effort. When she saw who had come in, her eyes brimmed with fresh tears.

“Sweetheart…” Celina murmured, her voice thick with emotion.

Zoe stood abruptly. Without thinking, she crossed the room in a handful of steps and wrapped her arms around Celina with desperate strength, as if that embrace was the only thing keeping her sane.

Celina hugged her back with tenderness, pulling Zoe against her chest even though her now-heavy pregnancy belly made it difficult. Her voice came steady, soothing—someone standing firm so the other wouldn’t fall apart.

“Cry, amiga… let it out. I’m here. Cry as much as you need. I’ll hold you.”

And Zoe did. Her eyes shut tight and she broke, crying in a way that sounded like each tear was washing away a piece of the agony burning inside her.