“We’ve obtained your medical records and it shows that you’re four months pregnant, yet you’ve had no visits to an insemination clinic. Can you explain how that’s possible?”
My heart was beating fast. “I was impregnated by a man, of course.”
Both women shifted on the sofa and exchanged a glance. “Can you direct us to him?”
“No.”
“And why is that?”
Because it’s none of your business. It was right there on my tongue, but I just shook my head.
“Can you give us his name at least?”
“Look, I had a short encounter with a man and it led to my pregnancy. I didn’t see him after that and I don’t want you to contact him.”
Marcy cleared her throat. “Devina, we understand that you’ve gone through a difficult time with the loss of your family. It’s easy to see how the book was created from the longing to be close to another person. Grief makes people do irrational things, but we feel that you would be better off taking some time to reflect and heal in a tranquil setting.”
“How long?”
“As long as you need.”
I looked away. “No thank you.”
“You look like you’ve been crying. We’re not here to punish you but to help you feel better.”
My mind was numb except for one persistent thought that I clung to. I didn’t want to accept censorship and laws banning books. I didn’t want to be okay with the Council taking away our freedom of speech. I couldn’t stand the thought of going to a place that served the Council and submit myself to constant reflection on how I had done something wrong when I hadn’t!
Readers loved my book for a reason. It made them feel and dream of being loved themselves.
Marcy, a woman with a short dark bob, cleared her throat again. “Would you like to come with us now, or do you need a bit of time to make arrangements?”
My body stiffened as I understood that I wasn’t being given a choice. One way or another, they wanted me in a place of reflection.
“We could give you a few days, if you need it.”
I met Leonie’s eyes. “I’m closing down my family’s house in four days. I can go after that.”
“Four days, that would be December 30th?”
“Yes.”
“All right. Here’s a list of the different facilities that you can chose from. Just let us know which one suits you the best and we’ll make the arrangements.”
Getting up from my chair, I bowed my head. “Thank you.”
They got up too and by the door, they offered me their hands in a formal goodbye.
Leonie squeezed my hands and looked deep into my eyes. “Sometimes we make unfortunate choices and need help getting back on track. That’s why we’re here.”
As soon as they were gone, I pressed my back against the door. My mind was racing to find a way out of the mess I was in.
Only one solution came to mind.
CHAPTER 32
The Mind of an Author
Devina
