Nina's POV
Inside, I saw a small stack of money. It wasn't a lot, but to me, it looked like a fortune. It was enough to buy some real food and maybe a few things I needed for the baby.
Then, I pulled out the letter. I recognized his messy writing immediately. My heart began to beat fast as I read the words:
"My Nina,
I miss you and my baby so much. It is really not easy for me here, hence the reason I haven't reached out to you for these past few months, but I am working hard. Manage the little money I sent for now. I promise you and our baby that I will come back as soon as possible. I love you with my whole existence.
Yours always,
Brian Lyncas."
I read those words over and over again. I touched the paper where his hand must have rested. Tears streamed down my face, but for the first time in months, they were tears of happiness. He hadn't forgotten us. He was still fighting for us.
"He's coming home," I whispered to the empty, quiet room. "He's coming home to me."
For a moment, I felt a deep sense of peace. It felt like the dark storm in my life was finally moving away. But then, I looked around my cold, empty room. I saw my pale face in the mirror and felt a sting of fear: What if he doesn't like how I look now? What if he sees how weak I have become?
I shook my head to stop the bad thoughts. I didn't want to be sad anymore. I placed my hand on my stomach and felt a strong kick.
"He is coming, baby," I whispered to my belly. "Daddy is coming home to us."
I sat there on the floor for a long time, hugging the letter to my chest. I felt a mix of hope and fear, but for today, hope was enough to keep me going.
Suddenly, my phone buzzed on the floor. I reached for it, and when I saw the screen, my eyes widened. It was a text message from Tina, my twin sister.
"I am coming back in 3 days! Get ready to see me, Nini!"
I stared at the screen for a long time. "Nini." That was her special name for me. Only Tina called me that. Just seeing those four letters made me feel like the little girl I used to be, back when life was easy and we shared everything.
My fingers trembled as I typed back. "I can't wait to see you, Tini! I have missed you so much. Please hurry home to me."
I barely had time to put the phone down before it buzzed again. She replied instantly, as if she had been sitting there with her phone in her hand, just waiting for me to reply.
"Finally! I was starting to think you were sleeping," she messaged back with a heart emoji. "I've been checking my phone every minute. How are you feeling? How is my little niece or nephew doing in there?"
I smiled, and for the first time in months, it didn't hurt to smile.
"We are okay. The baby is kicking a lot today. I think the baby knows you're coming."
"They'd better know!" Tina replied. "Listen, I'm at the mall right now. I see so many cute things. Tell me, what do I need to buy? Do we need a stroller? Warm blankets? I saw the cutest little yellow onesies today. I'm going to buy out the whole store for you, Nini. Just tell me what you need."
I looked around my empty, cold room. I needed everything. I needed a bed for the baby, clothes, soap, and diapers. But more than that, I just needed her.
"Don't spend too much money, Tini," I typed. "Just bring yourself. That is enough for me."
"Hush," she messaged back quickly. "I've been working hard over here since I graduated from school, so I can take care of you. Don't worry about the money. And don't worry about Dad. I know he's being difficult, but when I get back, we will figure it all out together. You aren't alone anymore. I promise. I'm going to be right there by your side, holding your hand through everything. No more crying, okay? Only happy thoughts from now on."
Her words were like a warm blanket on a cold night. I felt so safe. Tina was always the strong one. She was the one who fought the battles I couldn't win. With her coming back and Brian's letter in my hand, I felt like a winner.
"I love you, Tini," I sent.
"Love you more, Nini. Go get some rest. I'll call you when I am done shopping!"
I held my phone tightly and hugged my pillow. I felt so light, as if I could fly. I started to imagine us together—me, Tina, and the baby. We would be a team. We would wait for Brian together.
I looked at my call history and realized I had missed several calls from her minutes ago, while I was lost in my thoughts. A huge wave of joy hit my heart.
Life had been so hard. My father had disowned me because of my pregnancy. My mother, who had always been there for me, had fallen very ill two months ago. I felt so alone, but now, my twin sister was coming back. Tina was my other half. I knew she would help me.
"Three days," I said to myself, looking at the calendar on the wall. "I just have to hold on for three more days."
I stood up, feeling a bit stronger, wanting to go to the kitchen to find something to eat. But as soon as I took a step, a sharp, cold pain shot through my body.
I gasped and grabbed the edge of the bed. My vision went blurry, and my head started to spin. I looked down at my feet, and my heart stopped.
A pool of dark red blood was spreading on the floor.
"No," I whispered, my voice shaking with terror. "Not yet. It's too soon."
The pain came again, much harder this time, and I fell to my knees. I reached for my phone to call for help, but my hand was too weak. As the world started to get dark, I realized the three days I promised to wait... were three days I might not have.