CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY THREE – THE BABY KILLER

Kayla took a deep, steadying breath as she opened the door to the counselor's office. The room was warm and inviting, with plush chairs, soft lighting, and the faint scent of lavender in the air. "Ms. Danvers?" The counselor, a kind-faced woman in her 40s, rose from her seat to greet Kayla. "I'm Dr. Rivera. Please, make yourself comfortable." Kayla mustered up a small smile as she settled into the oversized chair across from the counselor's desk. She already felt her defenses starting to lower just from being in this safe, peaceful space. "Thank you for seeing me on such short notice," Kayla said. "I know these kinds of appointments can be..." "Not at all," Dr. Rivera said gently. "I'm just glad you reached out. Why don't you tell me a bit about what's been going on?" Kayla felt her throat tighten, the now too-familiar wave of grief crashing over her again. She struggled to find the words. "I...lost my pregnancy. Very recently." She swallowed hard against the lump forming. "And i