There is a trigger warning for this chapter. If you'd like to see what for, scroll to the bottom, where it will be noted.

Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing of hers!

Chapter 8

"A girl, you're sure?" Hermione asked Healer Clarke, who was now taking measurements of their baby on the machine.

"No guarantee at this point. But, at all angles today, I see no evidence of a boy. And usually by this week, it's pretty clear. We'll check for any changes at the next few appointments," Healer Clarke explained, clearing off Hermione's belly with her wand and creating some moving pictures to take home with them.

Hermione glanced up to Ron, who had yet to speak since the announcement. The witch was surprised to find him staring in awe at the small screen; a few tears falling down his face. Hermione squeezed his hand, which broke his concentration. His eyes flashed to hers.

"You okay?" She asked, her husband nodded and sniffed a bit, scratching his jaw through his stubbly beard.

"It's not a boy," Hermione brought up, waiting to see how Ron would play off his assumption that they'd be having a son.

"Doesn't matter. She's healthy and happy, and beautiful... another little girl..." Ron sniffed again, wiping his eyes to remove evidence of incoming tears.


The family was thrilled to hear they'd be gaining another female to the family. The Weasleys were all very surprised to see so many girls brought into the brood after Molly and Arthur had six males in a row. Though, a few weeks later, Harry announced that they were having a boy.

The weeks were thrilling and exciting as they prepared their life for the new addition. Decorating the nursery, along with gathering supplies much needed for a newborn. It became even better when one evening Hermione was lying on the couch, resting as she watched a film with Rose. Ron had been in the kitchen preparing dinner, when his wife shouted from the den.

Ron dropped what he was doing and rushed into the room.

"Hermione! What's wrong?" He panted, wand drawn, eyes frantically looking for the dangerous situation.

"Come here!" She's waved him over as she felt around her tummy with her hands.

"What's happening?" Ron asked, now noticing Hermione's wide smile; clearly no danger in the room.

"Baby kicking," Rose muttered from her spot lying next to her Mum. She had finally accepted there was no brother, but, had not gladly taken to calling the baby her sister. She was currently annoyed that she didn't have as much room as she used to, when snuggling with Hermione. Now, the bump would kick Rose if they were lying particularly close. Causing the tot to become grumpy and remind her baby sister that kicking was not nice.

"She was just going crazy in there, bumped Rose a few times. I called you in so you could feel... she stopped again," Hermione sighed, disappointed that Ron had still not felt their little baby kicking. "I'm sorry."

"That's alright, love," Ron pecked Hermione on her pouting lips, "She'll kick for me one day. Right little one?" Ron lovingly caressed her belly, speaking directly to it. Under his left hand was a strong kick. Ron's eyes snapped straight to Hermione, who was beaming with joy.

"She kicked! She finally kicked for me!" Ron laughed, eyes returning to the moving bump, marveling the moment.

"That's our girl," Ron grinned, placing a kiss on her growing skin, earning him another kick.


"What about Amelia?"

"I don't see why we can't use Rose's name choice," Ron chuckled.

Hermione flopped her book onto her lap, gracefully missing her six-month belly.

"We are not naming our precious daughter carrot. As cute as Rose was saying it; it's not happening."

Ron laughed, and sighed, climbing into bed next to his wife, who had snatched the book up again. He lowered himself the end of the bed, pulling her foot onto his lap, beginning to work her tired feet between his hands in a comforting massage.

"Holly?" Hermione suggested; her eyes peeking over the book to see his reaction.

"Too Christmassy," Ron responded, digging a bit deeper into her skin.

"Ivy?" She muttered as she turned the page.

"Are we naming all our children after plants?" Ron questioned, Hermione bit her lip in thought.

"You're right. Not Ivy. What about Meredith?"

"Too old fashioned."

Hermione scoffed at that, "Says the man named Ronald!" She nudged his stomach with her foot.

"Besides, it could still be a boy," Ron commented slyly.

Hermione rolled her eyes at him, "Healer Clarke confirmed the sex weeks ago. Said it would be a miracle if Baby was a boy."

"Maybe we should prepare some boy names just in case..."

"Ron! I don't want to wait until the last minute. I'd like to call this little one a name instead of calling her Baby until she makes her way into the world," Hermione moved one of her hands to her growing belly, rubbing it lovingly. "Do you have any ideas for a name?"

"I haven't really thought of it. Figured you'd choose a good one. You did brilliant with Rose's name," Ron shrugged, thinking through the female names he knew. Yet, not finding one that would fit someone as special as their daughter.

"Just keep listing some," Ron suggested. Hermione flicked her eyes back to the book as Ron switched to her other foot.

"Olivia?"

"No."

"Freya?"

There was a pause as Ron contemplated the name, "I like that one."

Hermione swished her wand at the book, causing a circle to appear around the name.

"Means noble woman," Hermione mentioned, moving onto the next name. About a half hour later, Ron had given up on fully massaging his wife's feet, and muttered an incoherent yes or no when Hermione spoke a name. They had difficulty, as every name Ron could see calling their precious little girl, Hermione would dislike for some reason. Same went for Hermione when she liked one. If they found one they agreed on, she'd circle it and move on. Ron was currently attempting not to fall asleep, as he still gave some tender squeezes to his wife's feet and ankles.

"Maisie," Hermione listed, when Ron's ears perked up.

"Maisie?" He questioned, mainly wanting to hear the name on his lips. "What does that mean?"

"Says here: pearl. Origin is Greek." Hermione peered over her book to judge Ron's reaction.

"I really like that one. What do you think?" Ron yawned and stretched.

"Maisie," Hermione pondered, "You don't think Maisie Weasley is too much of a mouthful?"

"Knowing us, our kids will probably have large mouths to say it with," Ron reached to take the book from Hermione's hands, depositing it on her nightstand. She scoffed at his joke, and pushed on his chest.

"You know it's true love," Ron snuggled behind Hermione, at which she flipped to face him.

"I didn't get to mark that name down," Hermione complained, yet, instead of moving for the book, she curled into Ron, resting her head on his chest.

"So, you like it then?" Ron yawned, as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

"I do. Unconventional name, but, it's sweet. I picture her a sweet one since her sister is so fiery."

Ron chuckled, as he had pictured the same thing, "Then it won't be a name we'll forget."

He kissed his wife's forehead, and fell asleep.


"Ron! We've got to go or we will be late," Hermione huffed from the den, tapping her foot, as she anxiously waited for Ron to hurry up. He had woken up late and they had an early morning appointment with the Healer. Flooing had not been Hermione's favorite recently, as it made her nauseous. So, the witch was quite grumpy when they had both woken up late, and she had to Floo Rose over to Molly's. Only to come back, and Ron still wasn't ready. Irritation boiled inside her, and she felt like she was going to be sick.

She rushed past a frazzled Ron, pushing him aside to make it to the loo in time to empty the contents of her stomach. As she rinsed her mouth out, Ron appeared in the door.

"Are you alright?" Ron questioned, as he shoved his arm into his jacket. This morning had a cool September breeze.

"Just great. Thanks for taking Rose by the way," Hermione spat, still not feeling the best, and was thankful they already had an appointment with Healer Clarke today.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to. Forgot to set the alarm," Ron uttered, unsure just why Hermione was in such a mood.

"You took longer to get ready than I did! Now I have to Floo four times in one morning because you took your time! I already feel horrid. Now I get two more trips to look forward to!" Hermione huffed.

"I said I was sorry. What do you want me to do about it?" Ron argued, now irritated with her attitude.

Hermione shook her head and checked the clock, "We're late. Let's just go."

"Alright, let's see your little one," The Healer rolled the machine over Hermione's belly, displaying the picture on the screen. Ron sat in a chair by Hermione's side, his arms across his chest, still upset with how their morning started. They had hardly talked, and Hermione acted as kind as possible so Healer Clarke wouldn't suspect something was wrong.

But, something was wrong.

Hermione's heartbeat quickened as she realized there had been something missing. She watched Healer Clarke's worried eyes as they scanned the screen which usually displayed a lively and active little baby. Her stomach dropped as the Healer turned toward the couple with sad eyes; despite how she tried to hide them. Ron noticed something was off as well, he leaned forward, uncrossinng his arms, ready to know whatever was causing the healer's concern.

"What's wrong? Why didn't we hear..." Hermione trailed off, tears pooling in her eyes. Healer Clarke turned the screen off and walked closer to Hermione and Ron.

"Ron, Hermione, I wasn't able to detect a heartbeat with the ultrasound."

Ron felt his own heart stop at the statement. He had just heard the heartbeat a few weeks ago. How could it be gone? If the heart wasn't beating, then... Ron no longer recalled why he had been in a foul mood this morning. He reached to take Hermione's hand in his. She squeezed it tightly.

"I'm going to perform a spell to detect the fetal heartbeat." Both Ron and Hermione nodded their heads vigorously, praying the machine had been terribly wrong. Healer Clarke waved her wand intricately over Hermione's bump muttering a series of spells. After another spell was cast, Ron wasn't sure if he could take the anticipation any longer. Just when he felt he would burst, the Healer stepped away and placed her wand in her robe.

After a breath, she spoke.

"I am so sorry."

Hermione knew what the Healer would say; she was going to confirm their worst fears. Hermione shook her head, lying it back on the padded bed and closed her eyes, pushing the tears to spill down her cheeks. Ron couldn't believe it. His stomach lurched and he swallowed thickly trying to comprehend what the Healer was to say.

"The spells confirmed what the ultrasound detected. Your baby has no heartbeat... I'm terribly sorry." Healer Clarke croaked, her eyes sparkled with genuine tears.

"No," Hermione whispered hoarsely. "No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no." The shaking of her head became more rapid as she spoke the words. The sobs made her breathing become erratic, causing her body to tremble. Ron felt helpless, his stomach was in knots, his head was pounding, and he felt like he were to vomit all at once.

He felt Hermione's hand squeezing his own, and it brought him back to the woman he loved most in the world. He heard her sobs and anger filled words as she repeated the words over and over again. Ron released one of his hands to curl his arm around her shoulders, collecting her to him. His face was tight against her, trying to give her the closeness she needed. He kissed her head and hair and spoke what he hoped were reassuring words to her, trying to calm her cries. Never in his life had he heard such anguish filled sobs and screams. Not even when she had been tortured at the Manner during the war. He held on to her and she clung to him, desperate for this to be a nightmare or anything that wasn't their actual reality.

"Mione, love. I'm so sorry, darling. I'm so sorry. We'll get through this, we will. I promise. I love you. I'm here..." He didn't know how many times he whispered those words as his own tears fell from his teal eyes. He felt as they'd been there for days as Hermione's sobs became whimpers, and then formed into erratic breaths and silent tears. Healer Clarke cleared her throat uncomfortably, making Ron realize she was still in the room, unsure if she ever left, or stayed there through their sorrow. He still held onto Hermione, but, was now twisted so he could hear and see her as well as Hermione.

"I'm so sorry... but, Hermione is far along enough that she needs to make the decision if she would like to deliver the baby or if she would like a cesarean. Unfortunately, there is no magical way to do this." Hermione had no response, just closed her eyes tighter, more tears running out, as her body shook.

"A cesar what?" Ron asked not knowing anything about what they wanted Hermione to choose between.

"A cesarean," the Healer said gently. "Is a procedure where we can put Hermione asleep, and remove the baby from her womb surgically with some assistance of magic."

"...She'd be asleep and you'd take our baby out?" Ron clarified, still dazed from all that has happened.

"Yes, she can stay awake if she wishes, but, it's often difficult when... We can do the procedure today. Or we can-"

"I want to deliver my baby." Healer Clarke and Ron both looked at Hermione, her eyes still flooded with tears.

"You wish to deliver? Are you sure Hermione? I can give you some time to discuss-"

"I want to deliver my baby." Hermione repeated, this time much stronger and determined. The Healer glanced at Ron, and slowly nodded her head.

"If that is what you wish, then that's what we'll do. We can wait until your body naturally goes into labor, or we can get the process started today." Hermione bit her lip and took a shaky breath.

"Today. I want to deliver today." Hermione tried to make her words extremely clear, even if they did break halfway through her sentence.

"Okay. I will need to transfigure this room a bit, and I will get the potion prepared to start your labor." She moved her wand again in complex motions, this time around the room, and it changed into a hospital room, not too different than the one Rose stayed in months prior. The bed magically enlarged, and adjustable by the angle it would lean at. The machine was altered and the door to an attached loo appeared. Two pairs of clothing were resting on a table sat by the now transfixed bed Hermione laid in.

"Hermione, I will need to change into this hospital gown, and Ron, into these scrubs. You can use the bathroom attached there." She pointed to the side of the room where the ensuite resided. "I will give you some time to yourselves as I get the potion ready. After that, it could take some time for the delivery to happen. Hermione, are you completely sure this is what you would like to do?"

Hermione nodded her head, not trusting her voice to make it through the simple word.

"Alright. Since you'll be here longer than expected, are there any family or friends you'd like to contact and let them know?"

Ron's brain scrambled at the question. He wanted his family to know, but at the same time, he wanted this between him and Hermione for now. He was so conflicted he didn't know what to do. So, he did what he always did in situations where he didn't know the answer. He turned to Hermione. Ron looked down at his wife, and squeezed her hand. She looked as if she were sorting through her thoughts the same way he was.

"Harry," she spoke, not elaborating on it at all. Yet, Ron understood what she wanted.

"Could you contact Harry Potter at the Auror Department at the Ministry? Tell him that we will not be in today, and to come to St. Mungo's when he's off work."

"Of course," she responded and silently left the room.

Ron looked back down at his wife, her eyes full of agony, shining with fresh tears. He scooted his chair closer and brushed back her hair, with his arm still looped around her. He knew there were no words to make the situation better. Nothing he could say or do to change what happened or what Hermione was about to go through. He felt utterly helpless. If he could he would do it all for her in a heartbeat. But, alas, he was just sitting by her, holding her hand, and attempting a reassuring hold on her shoulders. She shifted so she was on her side looking at him.

"It's our baby, Ron. I couldn't let them just take her out of me."

More tears escaped as she felt the need to explain to her husband why she chose going through more pain, "Our daughter. I delivered Rose... I need to deliver this little one as well." She sniffled and squeezed his hand tightly, another wave of panic, fear, and pain crossing over her features. Ron leaned down and kissed her head, resting his forehead against hers, brushing their noses together.

"Okay, love. Whatever you want, we'll do. We'll get through this together."

"Do you hate me for doing this?" Hermione sobbed, Ron instantly went to calm her, reassuring her that there was no way he could ever hate her. He told her of how much he loved her, but, in his mind, he thought about what she had asked him.

No, he could never hate her. But, how did he really feel about her decision. Hermione was a hell of a lot braver than he was. If Ron was going to deliver their baby who no longer had a heartbeat, he'd want as little pain as possible. He would want to be asleep the whole time. But, that's not Hermione. She knew this was their baby; the one they created with their love. She felt that she needed to deliver because it was their child either way; this child was to come into the word the same way Rose did.

"You're so brave, love. I'm here. I love you. We'll get through this..." Ron whispered brokenly.

They changed into their new hospital attire and resumed their positions. Hermione's bed was slightly more raised, to have her in more of a sitting position. The Healer returned to the room with three vials.

"Okay, Hermione. This first potion is to start your labor, given to all the patients who need to kick start their labor. Go ahead and take this one." She handed the rounded vial to Hermione who drank it through her tears. She handed the vial back to the Healer, who placed it on the tray and reached for the second vial.

"This potion is only given to women in situations like yours. It's to have labor come much more quickly than the typical labor. This could help things come in a few hours versus 10-12 hours. It is your choice if you'd like to take this one." Hermione nodded and put her hand out to take the vial, which the Healer placed in her hand. She swallowed the contents, and returned the vial.

"This last one you may have hand before during your last delivery. It's the common pain reliever we give to women in childbirth. In your case, we can do more spells to help with your comfort, but, I highly recommend taking this." Hermione looked at the vial, remembering how painful Rose's delivery was with that potion. She couldn't imagine what it would feel like without it. She looked up at Ron, with questioning eyes. He tightened his grip on her hand and brushed his thumb along her smooth skin.

"Whatever you want to do love, you're still the bravest person I know, either way." She gave him a strained smile as she contemplated her decision. In the end, she held out her hand and nodded her head slightly, and drank the liquid.

The Healer explained that it could be 15 minutes to an hour before contractions began, and she would be in intermittently to check on how they were doing. Hermione laid there silently still wishing this was a horrid nightmare. Ron took a seat in the now, more comfortable chair beside her, holding her hand in silence.

Hermione's contractions began after 45 minutes. They started small, and proceeded to grow in intensity. The Healer came through to check her dilation a few times, and asked about Hermione's comfort level; which the woman denied any extra comfort or pain spells no matter how many times they were asked. About two hours into labor, there as a small knock on the door. The Healer came in, and Ron wondered why she had come back so soon after checking less than ten minutes ago.

"Mr. Weasley, Harry Potter is here and asking to visit." Ron looked at the clock, which was nearly 1:00. Harry must have stopped by on his lunch break instead of coming after his shift. Hermione's eyes went wide in surprise and clenched his hand through another contraction. When it was done, she breathed deeply, and shook her head in negative.

"No." Ron took his wand and cast a charm to pull Hermione's hair up and out of her face. Hermione attempted a smile and said a small 'thank you.'

"We'll tell him to leave then." He spoke to Hermione, who clenched her teeth through shifting her pained body.

"No, you go talk to him. I just don't want him to see..." Ron was surprised by her words, for him to leave her side.

"Are you sure, love? I can just tell him to come back later-" Hermione shook her head again.

"No. Tell him what's happening and ask if Ginny could get some of my sweats for me to wear home. Could you please, love?" She whimpered as more pain shot through her back. "I'll be fine for a few minutes, then come right back." Ron nodded his head and kissed her on the cheek. She gave a quick squeeze to his hand and released it to immediately grab the blanket covering her legs.

Ron followed the Healer out of Hermione's suite and into the private waiting room. Rubbing his face along the way. He had no clue how he was going to get through telling his best mate what was happening. The Healer left, and Harry looked up to see Ron. Neither man wore a smile, and Harry stood from his seat.

"Ron, what's going on? Is Hermione alright? Is the baby-" Ron closed his eyes and ran a hand over his tired face.

"The Healer couldn't detect a heartbeat...The baby is...gone..." Harry's face changed drastically and any hope he had disappeared.

"Ron, I'm so sorry." Harry watched his best friend's face struggle with the emotions he was feeling. The redhead nodded.

"The baby's large enough that Hermione has to, has to deliver. She's been in labor a couple of hours now. The Healer says it shouldn't be much longer."

Harry displayed his shock on his face. Ron wiped a loose tear from his red, swollen eyes. He bit the inside of his cheek and looked away, trying to calm his breathing.

"What can I do to help?" Harry asked, feeling helpless because of the pain his two best friends were going through. Ron took a deep breath and cleared his throat.

"Could you, or ask Ginny to get Hermione some comfortable sweats for her to wear home? And could you make sure someone has Rose tonight? I'm not sure if it would be best to have her at home while Hermione's... healing."

"Of course, Ron." He put a hand on his best mate's shoulder. "You'll get through this, both of you. You two are the strongest people I've ever met." Ron willed his tears to stay back. He couldn't imagine being okay after this. He managed a firm nod. Ron turned to return to his wife, when he faced Harry again.

"Oh, and could you only tell Ginny? I'd like tell mum and dad myself." Harry nodded. Ron gave a weak smile back and returned to his nightmare.

"Thank Merlin you're back." Hermione tensely spoke as soon as Ron shut the door. He quickly returned to her side and she clung onto his hand tightly. He looked up at the monitor displaying Hermione's vitals, and the machine measuring her contractions. The lines were much larger than when he had been in the room previously.

"Is it almost time?" Ron asked quietly. Hermione let out a shuttering breath and inhaled quickly as another contraction approached. Ron hadn't a clue how to help other than being something for her to squeeze. Her whole body tensed through this one, and she let out a yelp of pain. Ron provided comfort through words. The contraction finally ended, and Hermione laid her head back, exhausted.

"Yes." She whimpered, tears pooling out her eyes. "The Healer said she would be back in a moment to deliver." Ron knew what they had gone through had been nothing so far.

Now, Hermione was about to deliver their child.

Their child that would never take their first breath, or hear the little one's first cries, or play with their big sister. Hermione would go through everything she had, to leave empty handed.

Hermione inhaled again sharply as another contraction roared through her body.

"Ron," she gasped as it began. He leaned as close as possible to help her through the pain. She relaxed again as it ended. "Ron, I need you." Ron wiped some of the sweat from her brow with a cool cloth, and nodded.

"I'm here, darling. I'm not going anywhere."

The Healer came into the room dressed in scrubs, that closely resembled Ron's. She laid a white piece of fabric on the side table and put on some rubber gloves.

"Alright, Hermione. This is going to be hard, but you can do this. You are strong. Ron's been telling you that from the beginning and you've got to believe it, alright?" Hermione held back a sob and nodded along. Her breathing becoming erratic again, as her anxiety came to face her.

Healer Clarke lifted the blanket and checked Hermione's progress.

"Your little one's right there Hermione. Just a few pushes now and you'll be done." The Healer adjusted the bed into a more upright position, causing Hermione to sit almost completely up. Ron stood by her side and held tightly to her hand. They placed her feet in the metal stirrups and Healer Clarke returned to her position under Hermione.

"Okay, Hermione, give me a nice big push."

Hermione bore down and squeezed Ron's hand in a bone crushing grip. The Healer was counting down and told Hermione to relax. Ron could see she was overwhelmed and having a hard time getting her breathing mellowed out between her contractions and the emotional trauma she was going through. He stepped in closer to her and gave her a better grip on his hand. He kissed her temple, and spoke softly to her.

"Push through this next contraction Hermione. Deep breath and... push!" Hermione screamed as she gave everything she had into that push.

Four more gut wrenching pushes and Hermione laid back on the bed, Ron wiping her face, while speaking in gentle tones to her, as their baby was being wrapped in a small blanket.

No cries filled the room, no happy tears were shed.

The couple was recouping while the healer cleaned the little baby up. Casting some diagnosis charms as well to determine if there was any possibility the previous ones were wrong.

"Hermione, Ron. Would you like to hold your baby girl?" Hermione nodded eagerly, holding out her languid arms to cradle the tiny infant. Ron looked on as a small pink blanket was placed in Hermione's arms. He leaned in as she pulled the blanket back a bit to reveal the precious face of their baby daughter. Hermione squeezed her eyes shut as a sob wracked her body.

"She's so beautiful." She sobbed, tears unashamedly streaming down her face.

Ron couldn't agree more, his face also covered in his hurt. He couldn't believe how small their baby was. Hermione still had two months to go, but, she was still so little. A small pink knitted hat, a lot like one Rose would use for her baby dolls, engulfed her little head. Two perfect closed eyes, two tiny hands with five fragile fingers on each. A pert nose with a pair of pouting lips.

Hermione brushed their daughter's cheek with a feather light touch. She brought out the infant's tiny hand to hold between her fingertips, which barely cover the width of the skin. She brought the small baby up to her face, and kissed her delicate head covered in peach fuzz.

"Maisie?"

Ron's eyes left their daughter, for the first time, and looked at Hermione. They never completely decided a name for this baby, and they certainly didn't have time to discuss what they were to name her, now that they knew there would be no infant to take home.

"It was one of our favorites," she added, still mesmerized by the little one in her hands. She tucked her arm back inside the soft pink blanket and straightened her cap, as if to keep the little one's head from becoming too cold.

"Maisie Freya Weasley?" Ron asked her. "Starts with the same letter of Fred's name; she's now with him." Ron gave her a tight-lipped smile through his flowing tears. Hermione bit back a sob and nodded in agreement, returning her gaze to her precious daughter.

"Maisie Freya Weasley, you are so loved." She placed another soft kiss to the small infant's head.

Hermione groaned and sucked in a sharp breath, leaning forward in discomfort. She turned to offer the little one to her husband, reluctantly. Ron gently held the tiny bundle in his shaking hands, looking frantically between Hermione and Healer Clarke to discover what was happening.

"Hermione's fine, Ron. She just needs to deliver the afterbirth. It should only take a few moments," she smiled sadly at Ron, who just nodded carefully before returning his gaze to their stillborn daughter.

She had all her perfect little features, even though she came months early. Large closed eyes, the beginnings to chubby cheeks, dark ginger lashes, ten perfectly formed fingers, soft ginger peach fuzz hair, a pert nose. She looked like a younger version of Rose; a perfect combination of Hermione and Ron.

He shook as he readjusted the infant in his arms gently; another sob coming to the surface.


Trigger Warning: Stillborn Birth, Character Death (IMO)

A/N: So... please don't hate me. I just feel like the pair had gone through something like this in their lifetime. They don't deserve it. I had this chapter done a while ago, but, didn't want to bring down the festivities with the sadness this chapter brings.

And maybe the fact that I didn't want to read negative reviews until after Christmas. Hope you had a wonderful and safe one if you celebrated it! Mine were very different this year, but, I'm learning that change can still be good.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please PM me if you prefer that over the reviews. I'm taking a risk here and want to know what you think!