CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY EIGHT – A SHOW OF STRENGTH

Karina felt her resolve weakening. She moved closer to Miguel, reaching out to take his hand. "Oh, Miguel. Why didn't you tell me you were feeling this way?" Miguel shrugged helplessly. "I didn't want to seem weak, I guess. I'm supposed to be the strong one, the one who has it all together." "But that's not realistic," Karina said softly. "We're both scared. We're both trying to figure this out." She led Miguel to the couch, sitting down and pulling him next to her. "You want to know what I'm afraid of?" she asked. Miguel nodded, squeezing her hand encouragingly. "I'm afraid of losing myself," Karina admitted. "Of becoming just 'Miguel's girlfriend' or 'the baby's mother.' I'm scared that I'll disappear into this relationship, into motherhood, and forget who I am." Miguel's eyes widened with understanding. "Is that why you've been pushing back so hard against my... overprotectiveness?" Karina nodded. "Partly, yes. I need to know that I can still be me, that I can make my own dec