Open Heart

Rain

Disclaimer: I own no one!

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Trish yawned, settling on the couch with Bill and a hot cup of tea. The rain pattered softly against the roof.

"Like the rain, Billy?" she asked, wrapping an afghan around the dog. The puppy cuddled closer to her. "Yes, Boo. It's cold,"

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see a framed sonogram. Tears quickly filled her eyes. No matter the day, Trish remembered the worst day of her life, when it rained.

What do you mean, something's wrong? I come in for a standard appointment and you're telling me something's wrong!

Mrs. Orton, we're sorry, but we can't find a heartbeat.

YOU'RE LYING! She was kicking just last night.

Well, let me get a sonogram.

Bill whimpered softly, dragging Trish back to reality. Scratching the Great Dane behind the ears, she struggled not to drift back into the memory.

Trisha?

Don't say it.

They want me to tell you.

They're lying.

Our Karma's gone. She died last night.

THEY'RE LYING! She didn't die. She couldn't have died. No, it's not happening.

Do you want to hold her? They're going to let us if you want to.

Yes. I can't believe it if I don't see her.

Thunder clapped outside, startling her. When would the memories go away? When would she be able to face the rain without remembering?

Karma Rose, the baby that would never be, Trish could never admit how much losing her had hurt. She had seemed so strong, never letting on how much pain she was in.

The next year, they had begun their adoption journey, after finding out Trish could no longer have children.

Would this woman give them her baby? Would this woman help them? Would they finally become parents?

"Are you okay?" Randy muttered, the front door slamming behind him. "I came home as soon as the rain started. Are you okay?" Trish sighed, absent-mindedly running her fingers over Bill's short fur.

"The memories came again. When are they going to go away? She's been gone two years. That should be more than enough time to forget!" she exclaimed. "Why is it so bad to want a family?" Shoving the puppy over, Randy gently took her in his arms.

"It's not bad," he murmured. "It's not bad. Karma was only here a little bit, mainly to show us what we can look forward to. She's always here. The pain will never go away. She'll always be on our minds."

Trish sighed, knowing he was right. Karma was always on her mind.

"I've got some good news though," he murmured, scratching Bill's neck. "The lawyer talked to the birth mom from that email we got. She wants to meet us,"

"She does?" Trish still didn't know who the woman was. All she knew was that this woman was possibly making her dreams come true.

"Yes, she does,"

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