Irene stared at the second line on the test, sending her brain into a series of mathematical calculations on probability, cause and effect, and due dates. She shook the test, acknowledging how pointless such a motion was yet feeling a touch worse when the line did not shake off.
1 mistake. 25% chance of pregnancy. 9 days late on my period, plus 14 follicular and 14 luteal days. I am 5.28 weeks pregnant. Baby? 0.13 inches. Arriving in 243 days. Approximately.
She sighed and dropped the test into the trash. She shook her head and frowned.
“…and 1 abortion,” she whispered.
Loved the unusual mathematic style approach to this story. Effective and touching.
Very original and presents a solution to the problem so taken for granted in our society. Not so in countries like El Salvador.
I cannot comment without choosing
sides. Sorry.
What? No mention of the dad or potential dads? Have to admit the absence of that component made this ring less true for me.
Unlike Shoshauna I do find this credible. Every woman’s reaction to pregnancy is individual. It seems to me that the reference to ‘a mistake’ deals with the issue of the father. This fits in with the narrator’s mathematical / rationalised approach to her situation. Great piece.
My younger self would have said, “I get it”, but my older self cried out “NO”…. It takes a good read for me to ponder a story long after it has been read. Nice job.