Sophia Williams couldn’t believe she is back in Bernville again after eight months. The news of her step-father’s left her with no other option than to return back home for the burial preparation. As soon as she left her house in Alaska, she tried not to think about Bernville and the memories made there but the stretch of road brought memories back fast and hard. Her cars wipers swished away fat snowflakes, revealing tall pines flanking the winding road. A fresh batch of tears fell as daylight faded. Her thoughts were filled with thoughts of Davis Jones, her ex-fiancé whom she left. The first glimpse of the cabin driveway used to fill her with anticipation of spending the summer with the Jones. Sophia and Davis grew up together, their parents had been best friends and even ought to side by side cabin in Bernville. The moms stayed all summer and the dads came up on weekends. She and Davis had done everything together when they were still toddlers. He was her best friend and her crush right from childhood, their summer was filled with laughter and happiness. But this happiness was lost when her father passed away and her mom decided to re-marry to her step-father who made her life miserable after the death of her mother, Davis and his family was her only source of happiness then. She had to leave Bernville because of how miserable her life was at home. She didn’t want to stay apart from Davis but he refused to leave with her so had to leave without him. Leaving him was the most difficult thing she had to do but she had to leave, so as to escape her step- father’s harsh treatment.

Sophia wasn’t here for another picture perfect summer. She placed a protective hand on her hugely pregnant belly as she gets down from her car. Bernville was covered in snow, the air smelled crisp like snow and evergreens. She glanced at the Jones which looks deserted, she wouldn’t expect Davis to be around, as he must have travelled to Arizona for the contract he talked about before. She felt nauseous as soon as she stepped her foot into their home. Whether it was a sign that she shouldn’t have visited home or a quick reminder of what happened eight months ago. She rubbed a fist against her rib cage, hoping to ease the rising acid.

Early pregnancy sickness? It was all day sickness and should have been over months ago. The nausea became more acute, maybe she needed some air. Squeezing her round belly, she went outside to receive fresh air.

Sophia? Sophia?

Her heart pounded. That voice.

It couldn’t be. He shouldn’t be here. He should be working in Arizona.

She put a hand to her swollen stomach. He didn’t just call her name.

She should have told him.

Her face burnt. Her gut roiled. Her heart pumped as she turned towards Davis Jones.

And threw up over his shoes.