The days slowly began to pass, one blending quietly into the next. Destiny found herself adjusting bit by bit to her new life with her ex-in-laws. Their love and care wrapped around her like a soft blanket, and though she was deeply grateful, she couldn't ignore the quiet restlessness that stirred inside her.
She wanted to do something. To feel useful again.
That morning, as her ex-in-laws prepared to leave for their small street restaurant, Destiny sat watching them from the couch, her hands gently cradling her growing belly.
"You know," she began softly, "I'd love to help out at the shop. Maybe I could assist with small tasks or even find a little job somewhere to contribute."
Her ex-mother-in-law turned sharply, worry etched across her face. "Oh, Destiny, sweetheart, you don't need to think about that now. We're taking care of everything. You just focus on yourself and the baby."
Her ex-father-in-law nodded firmly. "Yes, dear. We'll handle the bills, the shop everything. You just rest."
Destiny smiled weakly but couldn't shake the feeling of being treated like fragile glass. "I appreciate everything you're doing for me," she said gently, "but I feel useless just sitting around. I'd really like to help, even in a small way."
The older woman sighed, glancing at her husband before softening her tone. "Alright, Destiny. You can help us with small chores, cooking, tidying up, things that won't tire you out. But no stress, understood?"
Relief flickered through Destiny's heart, and she smiled for the first time that morning. "That sounds perfect. Thank you."
Later that afternoon, as she folded laundry in the quiet house, Destiny's thoughts drifted. The silence brought back memories laughter in the kitchen, soft kisses goodnight, plans that never came to be. Her heart clenched as she thought of David.
What did I do wrong? she wondered, tears welling in her eyes.
The pain was still raw, still fresh. Every thought of him reopened the wound.
She was still sitting there, lost in memories, when a familiar voice called from the doorway. "Destiny?"
She looked up through her tears. Standing there was her brother, Fredrick the one person she hadn't seen in months.
"Fredrick?" she gasped, rising quickly.
The concern on his face deepened as he saw her swollen eyes. "What's going on, sis? Why are you crying like this? Where's David?"
Destiny didn't answer. She only stepped forward and threw her arms around him, sobbing uncontrollably.
"He's gone," she whispered. "He left me."
Fredrick froze for a moment, disbelief clouding his face. "Left you? As in he's not coming back?"
Destiny nodded, her voice breaking. "He walked out, Fredrick. He said he couldn't handle the stress anymore."
His jaw tightened in anger. "That's not right. He should've stayed especially now that you're pregnant."
"I know," she murmured. "But I can't force him to love me. I'm just trying to move forward for the baby's sake."
Fredrick took her hands in his, his expression softening. "You won't go through this alone. I'm here, sis. Always."
She leaned into his embrace, letting his strength steady her trembling heart.
After a moment, he pulled back slightly. "Why don't you come stay with me for a while? I can take care of you and the baby."
Destiny shook her head gently. "No, Fredrick. I'm okay here. David's parents have been nothing but kind to me. I feel safe with them."
Fredrick studied her for a moment, then nodded. "If you're sure. I just want what's best for you."
He handed her his phone number written on a small slip of paper. "If you need anything, call me. Day or night."
She smiled faintly through her tears. "Thank you. You've always been my rock."
He hugged her tightly one more time. "And I always will be."
As he walked away, Destiny stood by the doorway, watching him go. Her heart felt both heavy and comforted. She missed him already, but knowing he cared gave her strength.
She looked up at the evening sky, the first star beginning to twinkle.
Maybe, just maybe, things would be okay after all.