The next month was quieter than Dora expected. Nothing unusual happened, and even her father didn't bother her after she informed him of when he could get the money.
The only thing she was uncomfortable with was the fact that her stomach got much bigger than she expected as she slowly approached her sixth month. It was something she expected, but experiencing it was different, heavier, more real.
Still, she had no complaints even though her heart seemed to intermittently race in fear, worried that Dante would still go along with sending her away. The thought alone made her chest tighten.
Her only reprieve was Elder Bellini, who made sure she was aware of the fact that he was staunchly by her side and had no intention of leaving. Dora would intermittently visit him, conquering her fear of the outside only because he was ill.
