New Faces and Familiar Worries

Hira pushed open the front door of Elizabeth's house and stepped inside. Her hand rested on her rounded belly as she looked around the cozy living room. Several women sat on yoga mats, chatting softly while stretching their arms.

"Welcome! You must be Hira," called a cheerful voice. A woman with short gray hair and kind brown eyes walked over. "I'm Elizabeth. We're so glad you decided to join us."

Hira managed a small smile. "Thank you for letting me come."

"Of course, dear. Being pregnant can feel overwhelming sometimes." Elizabeth gestured toward the circle of women. "Everyone here understands."

A woman with curly red hair waved from her mat. "I'm Sarah. Eight months along with twins!"

"Twins sound exciting," Hira said quietly, though her voice trembled slightly.

"They are," Sarah laughed. "Double the kicks, double the midnight cravings."

Elizabeth handed Hira a purple yoga mat. "Find a spot anywhere you'd like. We were just getting started with some gentle stretches."

Hira unrolled her mat between two other women, feeling nervous but hopeful for the first time in weeks.

The Unexpected Count

As the stretching session ended, the women began sharing stories. Hira listened quietly, her hands folded on her belly.

"So, how far along are you?" asked Sarah, rolling up her mat.

"Twenty-two weeks," Hira said softly.

A woman with short blonde hair named Dr. Marina looked up from her water bottle. "I'm actually an obstetrician. Mind if I ask about your recent ultrasound?"

Hira's face went pale. "The doctor said I'm having eight babies. My boyfriend left when he found out."

The room fell completely silent. Elizabeth's eyes widened in shock.

"Eight?" Dr. Marina set down her bottle and moved closer. "That's extremely rare. Are you absolutely certain?"

"That's what they told me," Hira whispered, tears starting to form.

Dr. Marina frowned thoughtfully. "Multiple births beyond four are so uncommon that mistakes happen. Would you mind if I took a look? I have a portable ultrasound machine in my car for emergencies."

The other women gathered around supportively as Dr. Marina retrieved her equipment. She set it up on Elizabeth's coffee table and applied gel to Hira's belly.

"Oh my goodness," Dr. Marina gasped, staring at the screen. "There are thirteen heartbeats."