Page 120 of Manic

"They look happy," a soft voice says beside me.

I turn to see Rio’s girl, Flora, her pregnant belly swollen beneath a flowy maternity dress.

Her daughter, Florencia, clings to her leg, eyeing the pool cautiously.

"Flora," I say warmly. "I'm so glad you could make it. Are you enjoying yourself?"

She nods, her eyes bright. "Thank you for inviting us, Meghan. I... I didn't expect such a warm welcome, to be honest. But everyone's been so kind."

I feel a pang in my chest at her words.

I know all too well how it feels to be an outsider, to wonder if you'll ever truly belong. "Of course," I say, reaching out to squeeze her hand. "You're part of the family now."

Flora's eyes mist over, and she blinks rapidly. "That means more than you know," she whispers.

I follow her gaze to where Rio, her boyfriend, stands with the other prospects.

He's nursing a beer, laughing at something one of the guys said.

As if sensing her eyes on him, he looks up, his face softening into a smile that's equal parts adoration and wonder.

"He's a good man," I say, nodding toward Rio.

Flora's answering smile is radiant. "He is," she agrees. "I never thought I'd find someone like him, especially not..." she trails off, her hand moving unconsciously to her belly.

"Sometimes," I say softly, "we find family in the most unexpected places."

As I watch Tindra spike the volleyball over the net, her face radiating with joy, I silently thank whatever forces brought us here.

I turn back to Flora, my eyes drawn to her swollen belly. "So, you only have another three weeks, right?"

Pregnancy always stirs up conflicting emotions—joy for the new life, worry for what's to come.

Flora rubs her belly, a tender smile playing on her lips. "Yes, and then Cali will be here," she says, her voice filled with anticipation.

"Cali?" I tilt my head, curiosity piqued. "Is she named after California?"

Flora's laughter rings out, loud and infectious.

"No, no," she says, shaking her head. "It's a city famous for salsa dancing, my favorite dance."

Her eyes sparkle with memories. "Rio wanted to name Florencia after his sister who passed away when he was young, and so Cali will get her name because I am all about equality."

My heart swells at the thought they've put into their children's names. "That's a beautiful name," I tell her, genuinely touched. "And such a lovely story behind it."

The words have barely left my lips when the world explodes into chaos.

One second, I'm smiling at Flora.

The next, there's a sickening thud, and her eyes go wide with shock.

Time seems to slow as I watch a crimson stain bloom across her chest, spreading rapidly.

"Flora!" I scream, lunging forward as she stumbles backward.

All around us, panic erupts.

People are shouting, scrambling.

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