Page 82 of The Hotel Room

“Fine,” she said finally, her voice flat. “Go.”

“Kate—”

“I said go, James,” she repeated, her voice sharper now. “You have a flight to catch.”

He hesitated, looking at her like he wanted to say more, to fix something that couldn’t be fixed in this moment.

Finally, he nodded, grabbing his suitcase and heading for the door.

The sound of it closing behind him echoed through the house, and Kate stood in the silence, her arms still wrapped tightly around herself.

She didn’t cry.

But she didn’t move for a long time, the weight of his absence pressing heavily against her chest.

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The rain had finally stopped, leaving the world damp and gray as Kate sat at Leah’s kitchen table, staring down into her untouched cup of tea.

It had gone cold a while ago.

She hadn’t said the words yet.

Across from her, Leah watched quietly, her arms folded on the table, brows furrowed in that patient but knowing way only an older sister could manage. She didn’t rush her, didn’t push.

But the silence was stretching too long.

Kate exhaled shakily, fingers tightening around the mug.

“I’m pregnant.”

The words landed softly, but the impact was immediate. Leah’s eyes widened, her lips parting—but no sound came.

For a long beat, there was justthat.

The truth sitting raw and exposed between them.

Then Leah blinked, leaning closer.

“Kate...oh my God.” She paused and then in a questioning tone added, “Congratulations?”

Kate let out a short, bitter laugh, tears already pricking at the edges of her eyes.

“I’m still trying to figure out how I feel about it.”

Leah’s expression softened instantly. She reached across the table, resting her hand gently over Kate’s.

“Hey. It’s okay. I’m here. Just...talk to me.”

Kate stared down at the mug again, her vision blurring as the ache in her chest grew heavier.

“I don’t know how to feel,” she whispered. “Iamhappy. I love this baby already. But, Leah...” Her voice cracked. “It’s like I’m split in two. Half of me is so excited. I keep imagining holding my baby for the first time, the way they’ll smell, those tiny fingers. Iwantthis baby.”

Leah nodded slowly, gently squeezing her hand.

“And the other half?”

Kate’s breath hitched.

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