The Past Within - Mialotte - TNN

Void

Mia and Charlotte had been home for a few days now, but the air inside the apartment felt heavy, almost suffocating. Charlotte hadn't said much since they left the hospital. She moved around like a shadow of herself, quiet and withdrawn, her usually bright spirit replaced with a deep, aching sadness. Mia watched her carefully, feeling powerless. She didn't know how to reach her, how to bring her out of the shell of grief she'd retreated into.

Charlotte spent most of her time in their bedroom, curtains drawn, the room dark and still. She barely ate, and when she did, it was only because Mia gently insisted. Mia could see the toll the loss was taking on her, and it broke her heart to see the woman she loved hurting so much. Mia felt the weight of her own grief too, but her main concern was Charlotte. She'd never seen her like this, so quiet, so... numb.

On the third day, Mia was in the kitchen making tea when the doorbell rang. She wasn't expecting anyone, but she walked over to the door, hesitating for a moment before opening it.

It was Marjorie.

Mia blinked, surprised. "Marjorie?"

Marjorie stood in the doorway, concern etched into her face. "I heard Charlotte hasn't been to work... I wanted to check in on her. Is everything okay?"

Mia's throat tightened. She hadn't planned on telling anyone yet, not while Charlotte was still so fragile, but she knew she couldn't keep this from Marjorie, not when she was so close to both of them.

She stepped back to let Marjorie in, closing the door behind her. "There's... something you should know," Mia began, her voice trembling slightly.

Marjorie's face softened with worry as she followed Mia into the living room. "What happened?"

Mia took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Charlotte was pregnant," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "But... we lost the baby."

The words hung in the air like a dark cloud, and Marjorie's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes widening with shock and sorrow. "Oh, Mia... I had no idea."

Mia nodded, feeling the tears prickling in her eyes. "It happened so fast. She didn't even know she was pregnant until it was too late. She's... she's not herself right now, Marjorie. I don't know what to do."

Marjorie sat down heavily on the couch, processing the news. She glanced toward the closed bedroom door. "How is she holding up?"

Mia wiped at her eyes, shaking her head. "She's barely said a word. She's just... existing, but she's not really here. I don't know how to help her. I don't know how to make it better."

Marjorie reached out, placing a comforting hand on Mia's arm. "I'm so sorry, Mia. I can't imagine what you both are going through, but Charlotte's strong. She'll get through this... with your help."

Mia swallowed the lump in her throat. "I hope so. I just want her to be okay."

Marjorie nodded solemnly. "Maybe I can talk to her? If she'll let me."

Mia hesitated, looking toward the bedroom. She wasn't sure if Charlotte would be up for it, but maybe seeing Marjorie would help. She needed to be reminded that she wasn't alone in this, that people loved her and cared about her.

"Let me see if she's awake," Mia said softly, heading toward the bedroom door. She knocked gently before pushing it open.

Charlotte was lying on the bed, her back turned to the door. She didn't move when Mia entered, and Mia's heart ached at the sight. Slowly, she walked over to the bed and knelt beside it, brushing a few strands of hair away from Charlotte's face.

"Char," Mia whispered gently. "Marjorie's here. She wants to see you."

Charlotte blinked, her eyes dull as she stared ahead. After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice hoarse. "I don't want to see anyone."