The Price of Abandonment

The smoke was rising from all around, stinging my nose with its foul odor. The tight, suffocating space made it unbearable, and I couldn't hold it in any longer.

I pulled out a bag from my purse and threw up. The sound of my gagging and the stench of vomit made everyone's faces twist in horror.

"Ugh! Keep that away from me!" Walter shrieked.

"Yikes, that reeks. I'm going to hurl," Isabel groaned.

Elias' voice rose in panic. "Don't even think about puking in my car, Renee!"

But it was too late. Some of it splattered out of the bag despite my best efforts.

The violent heaving left tears streaming down my cheeks, but strangely, I felt a twisted sense of satisfaction. I turned their stomachs and didn't have to fight the urge to throw up anymore.

After vomiting, I wiped my mouth with a tissue and rasped, "I told you I get morning sickness easily. Please bear with me."

Since we were on the highway, we couldn't leave the windows open for too long. The sharp, sour stench lingered in the car, making everyone look queasy—everyone but me.

I closed my eyes and somehow drifted into a deep sleep.

At last, we arrived at the rest area I'd been waiting for. Everyone rushed out of the car as fast as they could, Elias included. He wore a scowl the entire way and never showed any concern for me.

After pulling into a parking spot, he didn't even bother to check on me and just went off with them. He probably felt like I embarrassed him and just wanted to get away from me immediately.

I stared coldly at his back as he walked away. My mind flickered to the moment I first told him I was pregnant.

He'd been ecstatic, going above and beyond to look after me. But now, looking back, all of it felt like an act. I slowly stepped out of the car and made my way to the restroom to clean myself up.

When I emerged, I noticed them smoking at a distance. I kept myself hidden in the corner so I could hear what they were saying.

"I'm sorry you guys had to deal with Renee's disgusting act," Elias apologized.

Hubert grumbled, "Pregnant women are such a hassle. It's one thing to have a bad temper, but vomiting out of nowhere? That's just too much. You must have it tough, Elias."

Isabel exhaled a puff of smoke and said, "She's acting spoiled because you indulge her too much. You need to teach her a lesson, Elias. Don't let her push you around."

Elias gave a nod of agreement. "You're right. This is happening because I've been too lenient. But how exactly should I go about teaching her a lesson?"

"Before she returns, let's hop in the car and pretend to drive off. Make her panic a little. Then you can swoop in after she's crying and begging for you to return," Isabel suggested.

"Good idea. Come on, let's hurry back," Elias urged.

I watched them rush off and let out a derisive scoff. Did they honestly think I'd come crawling back to them? What a joke.

I hung around for a bit longer before heading toward the entrance. Once I saw they were gone, I hopped into Mom and Dad's car without a second thought.

"Ren, are you okay?" Mom asked the moment she saw me.

That simple question shattered the last of my walls. I crumpled into her arms, tears flowing uncontrollably as I let out everything that had happened.

Mom and Dad were heartbroken and couldn't stop cursing Elias.

"Mom, Dad, I've made up my mind. I'm divorcing Elias," I said.

"Good, we'll stand by you and raise the baby together."

But I shook my head. "I'm not keeping this baby. I don't want Elias' child."

They fell silent for a while before finally nodding. "Whatever you decide."

Maybe it was the stress getting to me, but as the car reached the tollbooth, a sharp pain shot through my belly. I felt a warm, wet sensation spreading beneath me.

"Mom, Dad! My stomach is killing me!" I cried out.

Before I could say another word, everything went black.

When I woke up, I was lying in a hospital bed.