Nightshade: A SimLit | Prologue: Where It All Began

“Sebastian, you’re going to be a father!”

The terrible words rang loudly in Sebastian’s ears. His hands instinctively went to his mouth as he gasped in disbelief. “F-Father?” he stuttered.

“Yes, a father!” His wife, Sofia, was beaming at him. “Isn’t this wonderful? I’ve always wanted a child-”

“No!” Her husband snapped, burying his head in his hands. “This is not wonderful! This is awful! I am not having a child!” he yelled. 

“…Sebastian… what do you mean?” Sofia’s voice was nothing more than a shaky whisper. “I thought… I thought you’d be happy.”

“I do not have time to be a father, Sofia,” he bitterly stated, and sat down on the bed. “Come, sit, and we’ll talk.” 

She nodded and sat beside him.

Sebastian sighed. “I am a successful businessman, which is what makes me rich. Do you want to go back to living with your dirt-poor parents in Selvadorada?”

“…No, but-”

“There are no buts!” the man yelled. “It’s either me or the child, make your choice!”

Sofia could feel the anger beginning to boil inside her. “I can’t believe you’re saying this! How could you not want our child!? I love you, Sebastian, but…” her voice trailed off, and she stood up from the bed. 

Sebastian stood up, facing her, and already knew what her answer would be. “Fine. If this is what you want, then…” He reached to his left hand and removed the wedding band from his finger, dropping it to the floor with a clink. “Goodbye, Sofia.”

Sofia cried for a long while, but she knew that she had to stay strong. “Pull yourself together, Sofia,” she muttered to herself, and began to gather her things.

There was only one place for her to go: home.

Sofia knocked on the door of the what was now a very run down home, the home she had grown up in. “Mama! Papa! It’s me, Sofia!” she exclaimed, hoping her elderly parents could hear her.

“Sofia!” Her papa stepped outside and gave her a hug, and a big smile spread across his face. “How have you been? You haven’t come to visit in a couple of years!”

“Papa,” Sofia began, tears welling up in her eyes. “…Sebastian…” she could no longer hold back her tears. 

Her mama heard the conversation and walked outside. “Sofia, it’s so wonderful to see you! …What’s wrong, dear…?”

“I’m pregnant! I told Sebastian, and he… he left me!” Sofia wailed. “He left me with nothing, and I have nowhere to go…”

Sofia’s mama could only respond in shock. “Oh no… Sofia…” she frowned. “You know you always have a place to stay here, with us.”

“But mama… you and papa don’t have any money, there’s no way we can afford…” Sofia’s voice trailed off. “…I can’t… provide the life that this baby deserves.”

Her papa wiped his eyes, deeply saddened by the thought he wouldn’t be able to be there for his grandchild. “Sofia… I know this is a hard decision, but…”

“I know what I have to do,” Sofia’s voice quivered. “It’s not going to be easy, but I have to do what’s best for my baby… I’m sure there will be a family out there somewhere who will love them just as much as I would.”

Her parents nodded silently.

---

Months later…

Sofia held her newborn baby girl in her arms, and smiled down at her. She had no choice but a home birth, as the hospital was far too expensive. For a moment, she felt a tinge of joy, but what followed was only an overwhelming sadness. “Ariana,” she cooed at the baby. “Your mommy loves you so very much. But there will be someone out there who will love you too, I’m sure of it.” Ariana’s only response was a loud cry.

“Shh, shh,” her mother spoke softly. “It’s okay, I’m here…” 

When the cries failed to cease, Sofia sang a soft lullaby to her. Slowly, Ariana’s cries got quieter until finally, all was silent.

“See? You’re alright, little one,” she said. She cherished every second that she could hold her daughter, knowing that her time with her would be over soon. “I’m going to miss you so much. I hope that your new family will give you the best life you could ever hope for… but…” Sofia broke down into tears. “Remember, my dear, I will always be with you in your heart…”