bright and curious, flickered with concern as he looked at her. The two girls trailed behind, their movements tentative, as though they weren't sure whether they should approach or sta

dded, her tone carrying a hint of pride. Clara smiled, a real one this time. **Triplets.** "That's amazing," she said, her voice tinged with wonder. **Three teenagers. All the same age.** The boy, who had been watching her closely, chimed in. "I'm Ethan," he said, his tone more serious. "You've been acting a little... different since the last doctor's visit. I thought maybe it was just the pregnancy, but now... I'm not sure." Clara's stomach churned. **They've noticed.** She swallowed hard and nodded. "It's probably the pregnancy," she said quickly, trying to regain control of the conversation. "Carrying nonuplets is... well, it's no small thing." The older girl, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "I'm Lily," she said, her voice steady but laced with concern. "And we're here for you, Mom. Whatever's going on, we'll figure it out together." Clara felt a lump form in her throat. **These kids-**no, her children-were looking at her with such love and trust. It was overwhelming, and for a moment, she felt an ache deep inside her. They needed her to be their mother, but she wasn't even sure who she was in this body. She needed to keep going. She needed more information. "Thanks, Lily," Clara said softly, blinking back sudden tears. "I appreciate that. You all mean so much to me." She took a deep breath and decided to dive deeper. "So... about before. What was I like? I mean, before this pregnancy-was I very different?" Ethan looked at his sisters before answering. "You've always been strong," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "Even when Dad was working late, you handled everything-us, the house, everything. And now, with the babies coming... it's like you're handling it all on your own again. But recently, you've been... quieter." Clara nodded slowly, absorbing his words. **Handling everything on her own.** That sounded like something she would do, eve

ers