A World of Chaos

Epilogue

I say good night to Maisie as she retires to bed. Owen and I walk toward our shared room. The door slides open near silently as I push it. My eyes glance around the dark. Owen flicks the light switch to illuminate the room. A sigh passes my lips as he comes up and hugs my waist from behind. 

"I'm happy to be home. It feels like so long since we had a peaceful night." I mutter. 

Owen hums against my neck in agreement. "Then let's just relax and let the night pass us by. Watch a movie." he suggests. A relaxing night curled next to the man I love sounds absolutely heavenly. 

I nod. "That sounds amazing." I turn in his arms and wrap mine around his shoulders. We share a short kiss. I pull away and lean my head on his shoulder. He rests his chin on my head. We stay like that, just swaying side to side in the room for a couple of minutes. 

Finally, I pull away and pinch Owen's shirt. "You smell like a campfire. And as much as I like that smell I do not want to smell like it in the morning. Go change into something comfy." I instruct. 

Owen smirks and steals one last kiss. "Yes ma'am." He lets go of me and goes to the dresser where he pulls out a clean shirt and new pair of boxers. I turn away as well and dig through my own clothes for a pair of comfortable shorts and a long, soft shirt. 

I hear the bathroom door click close as Owen goes to get ready for bed. Setting my sleepwear on the bed, I turn my back to the bathroom before pulling my shirt over my head. I sigh as I reach back and unclasp my bra. Pulling the sleep shirt over my head, I'm ready to fall asleep as the soft fabric settles against my skin. I quickly pull off my jeans and replace them with the comfy shorts, though you can't see them really because of how long the shirt is. 

The bed dips as I sit on it and wait. My gaze is drawn to the bedside table. I can almost feel the doctor's note just sitting there waiting. With a sigh, I reach over and pull the drawer open. The paper feels incredibly heavy in my hand as I pull it out. 

I think now may be the time to tell Owen.

My thoughts race around as my mind spins. Does Owen want a bigger family? Will this mess up our relationship? Will he leave me? We've been through so much together, surely he won't just leave and we can navigate this together, right? The paper rustles as I unfold it to reread the note I've read probably a thousand times already.

Dear Ms. y/n Grant.

It is with my deepest condolences I must inform you that according to the tests, the damage done is irreversible. Due to the nature of your previous miscarriage, the high stress situation you were in, and the high dose of tranquil drugs that were in your system, permanent damage was done. I am truly sorry for your loss, but the accident has left you unable to conceive from this point forward.
I'm aware this is not the news you were hoping for, but I wish you the best of luck in the future. 

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out and contact me. 

I didn't realize there were tears in my eyes again until one slips down my cheek, landing on the paper. Quickly I wipe the tears away before Owen can see. 

The door to the bathroom opening nearly causes me to jump out of my skin. Thankfully I'm turned away from the door so Owen hasn't noticed my red face yet. I can't back down. Not this time. How would I even explain the tears in my eyes? 

I have to tell him. 

Get it over with. 

I swallow thickly as I try to sound as okay as possible. "Owen..."