The morning light seeped through the cracked windows of the rundown building where the survivors had found refuge. Alina sat in the corner of the room, her hands gently resting on her stomach, the reality of her pregnancy weighing heavily on her. She had been dreading this moment: the moment she would have to face the people who cared about her and tell them what had happened.
Ethan entered the room quietly, his expression full of concern. He walked over and sat beside her, taking a deep breath before speaking.
"Alina, we need to talk," he said softly, his voice filled with a fatherly worry. "I know you've made your decision, but you have to understand the consequences of it. The world we live in... it's dangerous, and you're so young. It's not just about you anymore; it's about the baby, too."
Alina lifted her gaze to meet his, her eyes filled with determination, yet also fear. "I know, Dad. I've thought about this for a long time. I'm scared, too. But I'm ready for this. I love Kai, and we're going to make this work."
Ethan placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice gentle but firm. "You're not alone in this. But you need to be sure—this is a huge responsibility."
"I am sure," Alina whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "And I'll need your support. Both of you."
Ethan sighed, nodding slowly. "You'll have it, Alina. I just want you to be safe, that's all."
Before another word could be spoken, Elena entered the room, her expression unreadable but tense. She had known about Alina's pregnancy for days now, but the anger had been simmering inside her since the moment she found out. She stood by the door, her arms crossed over her chest.
"Alina," Elena's voice was low, but the frustration in it was clear. "We need to talk. Now."
Alina stood up, her heart racing. She had been expecting this moment, but it didn't make it any easier. "Mom, I'm sorry... I should've told you earlier."
Elena's eyes flicked over to Ethan, then back to Alina. "I can't believe this. You're sixteen, Alina. Sixteen! Do you even understand what you're getting yourself into?"
Alina swallowed hard, trying to hold back the tears. "I do understand, Mom. I know it's not easy. But this is my choice. I'm going to keep the baby, and I'm going to take care of it."
Elena's gaze hardened, and her voice shook with anger. "You don't get to make decisions like this without consequences. I've spent my life trying to protect you, and now—now this?"
"I know it's hard, Mom," Alina said quietly, her eyes meeting Elena's. "But I love him. I love Kai. And I can't just pretend it didn't happen."
Ethan stepped forward, trying to calm the growing tension. "Elena, she's not asking for your approval. She's asking for your support. We need to work together on this, not against each other."
Elena shot Ethan a sharp look, but his calm demeanor softened her expression slightly. Still, she couldn't hide the frustration in her voice. "You should have stopped her. You should have protected her, Ethan!"
"I tried," Ethan said quietly, his tone steady. "But Alina's made her decision, and now we all have to support her."
The words hit Elena like a blow. She was silent for a moment, her emotions swirling. "I can't— I just can't accept this. She's my baby girl, and she's too young. I don't want her to make a mistake she can't fix."
Alina stepped forward, her own voice strong despite the emotions bubbling inside her. "I'm not making a mistake. I'm going to be okay, Mom. Kai and I will figure this out."
A long, tense silence passed between mother and daughter, neither one willing to back down. Finally, Elena spoke, her voice quieter now, but filled with pain. "I don't know how to do this, Alina. I don't know how to accept it. But I'm not going to turn my back on you."
Alina's breath hitched in her throat, relief flooding her chest. "Thank you, Mom," she whispered. "I know this isn't easy, but I need you."
Ethan nodded, his face calm but serious. "We're in this together, Alina. We're all family. We'll get through it."
There was a knock at the door, and Lyra entered, a bright smile on her face. "What's all the serious talk about? You guys okay?"
Alina forced a small smile. "Yeah, we're okay."
Lyra's eyes sparkled with excitement as she stepped closer, her curiosity clearly getting the best of her. "So, what's the deal? Is there going to be a baby shower? Do you want me to help with anything? I've been reading all these books, and I can totally be your support!"
Alina couldn't help but laugh, the tension lifting slightly. "I don't even know where to start, Lyra."
Lyra's enthusiasm only grew. "Okay, I've got so many questions! Is it a boy or a girl? Do you have any names picked out yet?"
"I haven't thought about names yet," Alina said, her voice more relaxed now. "But I'll keep you posted."
Ethan chuckled, shaking his head at Lyra's excitement. "You know she's going to be asking questions every day, right?"
"I'm prepared," Alina said, giving Lyra a teasing look.
Elena, still processing everything, finally spoke again, her tone softer now, though the worry was still evident. "I'll be here, Alina. I can't promise that I'll always understand, but I'll be here."
Alina smiled at her mother, the relief overwhelming her. "That's all I need, Mom."
As the family stood together, a new chapter in their lives was beginning, filled with uncertainty and challenges. But for the first time, there was a sense of unity, of support, that hadn't been there before. The road ahead wouldn't be easy, but Alina knew she wasn't alone.