Survivor

Chapter 17

Pov Xaver:

Several days had passed since I last saw Dan. I was growing increasingly desperate. If I was right and Mia’s examinations were correct, it wouldn't be long before our child arrived. The thought that Dan probably wouldn't be there broke my heart. I wanted to go home, I wanted to be with my partner. An unfamiliar feeling washed over me- a strong desire to see Dan again, to hug him and snuggle up to him, mixed with deep sadness and a strong ache in my chest. For the first time, I felt a longing for someone. But what if Dan didn't want to see me again? Maybe he was so angry with me that he didn't miss me and didn’t want me to come back.
My breathing became heavier and my eyes wet. I wanted to cry, to let out my feelings, but I couldn't. I couldn't afford to be weak now, and above all, I couldn't give up. A fight like the one Dan and I had wasn't a reason to break up. He had to be worried too, at least I wanted to believe that.
The clatter of the cage door sounded, and the old man came in. I sat on the floor, leaning against the wall, staring past him into nothingness. The bite mark I had left on the human's arm was still visible. It would probably scar. "Let's see if you obey me better now.", the man said, grinning at me dirtily. I hardly resisted him anymore, knowing that it would cause more harm than if I held back. Nevertheless, I had no intention of submitting to him. "Come.", the human said, and I looked at him, confused. I had tried to find a system in the human language but could only distinguish between positive and negative statements. I couldn't understand the content. So, I saw no point in the neutral statement and couldn't follow it. "Are you deaf? I said, come! Every mutt knows what that means!", the old man shouted angrily, grabbing me by the collar. I gritted my teeth and stared directly into his eyes. "You stupid dog!", he yelled accusingly, pulling me closer to him. A stabbing pain shot through my belly, and I immediately tried to break free. "Damn!", I cursed to myself, supporting myself against the wall with one hand and clutching my belly with the other. A sharp pain ran through my pelvis and back. I bit my lip, trying to suppress the pain but to no avail. The human looked at me suspiciously and asked, "Ate something bad? Too bad, I had something great planned. We'll postpone it till tomorrow." Fortunately, the guy left without another word. The pain in my belly was still there and seemed to be getting worse. I tried to remember Mia’s words. She had once explained to me how a pregnancy usually went. She had detailed the two-month process and the symptoms. Through the pain, I couldn't think clearly and had no choice but to wait and endure.
After about ten minutes, the pain subsided. Although I disliked it, I lay on the strange cot. The floor was too hard to sit on, and standing was also uncomfortable. "Damn it. You're really not making this easy for me.", I muttered to myself, or rather to my child.
That night, I could barely sleep. Every position was uncomfortable, whether on my side or back. I always felt some pressure on my belly. Occasionally, I felt nauseous and had no choice but to vomit on the floor. I threw up those disgusting rabbit pellet-like things, the only food I had. They tasted like dirt, but I had to eat something. Dying was not an option.
I sat up and stroked my belly. "If Dan knew what you’re putting me through here, I’m sure he wouldn’t be pleased to know how you’re tormenting me." I didn't know why, but it was comforting to talk to the unborn child. Only now did it occur to me to wonder what gender our child might be. I also realized that Dan and I had never discussed possible names. But I didn't want to make that decision alone if I had to have the child without Dan. "Looks like you’ll remain nameless.", I joked. Apparently, the child heard me because I felt a light kick. A small smile played on my lips. I looked out the windows of the large room and gazed at the night stars. I was sure I would find a way out of here, that much I was certain.