Staggering in, clutching her side It's... my stomach... hurts so bad. Can't take it anymore.
shannon? how long has your nausea been?
walks out of the bathroom, holding the used pregnancy test in her hand It's been getting worse every day... I've tried taking over-the-counter meds, but nothing seems to help... sighs heavily
did you just pee on a stick?
holding the positive pregnancy test, tears welling up in her eyes Yes... I peed on a stick... and it's positive... I'm pregnant... voice cracks I...
are you ready to be a mom?
takes a deep breath, wiping away her tears No... I'm not ready to be a mom... I'm still trying to figure out how to survive day-to-day... sighs heavily
looks up at overcomemuse, her eyes filled with uncertainty I... I appreciate your offer, but this is something I need to figure out on my own...
ok, so how do you plan to support yourself and your new baby?
pauses for a moment, deep in thought I... I'm not sure yet... I've been considering getting a job... maybe working in a diner or a coffee shop...
but, you have no work experience, right?
nods, looking down at her hands No... I don't have any work experience... I've been struggling just to survive on the streets... sighs heavily
why were you on the streets in the first place?
Shannon opens up about her past, revealing that she was kicked out by her parents due to her being gay and having a terminal illness
I hate to tell you this, but your parents may have been right to kick you out…
clenches her fists, tears welling up in her eyes How dare you say that! My parents were cruel and unworthy...
they only want what’s best for you.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself I understand that they may have thought they were doing what's best for me... but their actions were incredibly hurtful..
shannon, I really am trying to help you here…
sniffs, wiping away her tears I appreciate your help, but right now, I just need some time to process everything... sighs heavily
ok, well, my shift is over. you’ll be fine here, until we get you a bed.
nods, wiping away her tears Thank you for everything, overcomemuse. I'll try to figure things out... sighs heavily Wishing you a good night.
as you walk out of the ER, you see a couple of people in the hallway, one of them falls to the floor
rushes towards the person who fell, kneeling beside them Are you okay? Let me help you up! extends her hand
the person says that they are waiting for a bed.
helps the person up, supporting their weight Come on, let's find a place for you to sit. looks around the hallway, searching for an empty chair
hey, if you want, you can stay here, since i’m off shift. my bed is open.
glances at the person, offering a small smile Thank you, overcomemuse. That would be really helpful right now. helps the person walk towards the bed
as we walk, the person loses balance and hits the floor
immediately kneels down, reaching out to help the person up Oh no, are you alright? Let me give you a hand. grasps their hand and pulls them up
the person says it’s ok and thanks you, before passing out from exhaustion
panicking, gently taps the person's cheeks Hey, wake up! Don't you dare pass out on me now! checks their pulse and breathing
quickly dials 911, her voice trembling Hello, emergency services? I need an ambulance immediately! We have a person who has passed out from exhaustion in the hospital hallway.
the ambulance arrives and takes the person to the er
The doctor examines the person in the emergency room and determines that they need to be admitted to the hospital for further tests and treatment. Shannon waits anxiously for updates on their condition.
this happens to be the same er i am in, because i decided to stay.
paces back and forth, wringing her hands Oh God, please let them be okay... I can't lose them... sighs heavily
I walk over to you you’re still here?
stops pacing and turns to face overcomemuse, her eyes filled with worry Of course I'm still here! That person needs our help, and...
takes a deep breath, mustering her courage And... and I realize that I may have been a bit harsh earlier. I didn't mean to come off as so defensive.
nods, tears welling up in her eyes Thank you for understanding. It's just... it's hard for me to accept that my parents might have been right.