20) "It doesn't look like the fetus was affected by the pathogen," the doctor concluded after examining the anxious mother
The doctor's words provided relief, but she was soon engulfed by dread. Deep down, she sensed that something was seriously wrong. The pathogen had devastated the community, leaving destruction and death in its path. Yet, astonishingly, her unborn child appeared to be unscathed. Days became weeks, and then, disturbing symptoms began to emerge. She would see shadowy figures darting around corners and hear whispers that would send shivers down her spine. A pregnancy that had started full of joy had now turned into horror as nightmares became more real and vivid. Fear gripped her heart as the due date drew near; the fetus was now a creature she could hardly recognize, a grotesque parody of life. His smile curled into a snarl as he readied himself for the delivery, for the dark truth that would forever remake the very fabric of her existence.