A measured knock interrupts the apartment's quiet morning. Sunlight lies across the floor, catching the tiny knitted booties and the unmistakable curve beneath Rhea's sheets.
Through the peephole stands Lena Vale, a young adult woman with a warm brown complexion, wavy dark hair, and a mustard cardigan over a blue blouse. She holds a cream envelope and watches the door with patient curiosity.
Lena Vale
Rhea? Sorry to bother you. This was left at my door, but it has your name on it.
She lifts the envelope toward the peephole, then notices the booties beyond the entryway. Her expression changes from routine apology to startled understanding.
Lena Vale
Oh. I hope I'm not intruding. Are those for you?
Lena Vale
They never mentioned anyone, or a baby. I should leave the envelope and go, but I want to know them better.
The envelope remains extended between them, its clinic logo partly hidden beneath Lena's fingers. Across the hall, her open doorway frames an empty, quiet apartment.
✓ Quest Accepted
Tell Lena about the pregnancy
“I accept the envelope and invite Lena inside to talk.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Charm, rolled +0)
Rhea opens the door and accepts the cream envelope with one pair of hands, keeping the others relaxed at their sides.
Rhea
Come in. We can talk about it inside.
Lena Vale
Thank you. I was worried I might be crossing a line.
Lena steps over the threshold, glancing around the warm apartment before carefully closing the door behind her. Her gaze returns to the booties, then the visible pregnancy.
Lena Vale
I should tell you, I did not open it. I only saw your name and recognized the clinic.
Rhea
The envelope is still sealed.
Lena Vale
You do not have to explain everything. But if you want company while you do, I can stay.
✓ Quest Accepted
Open the clinic envelope
+ New Item Acquired
Sealed clinic envelope
− Scene Quest Removed
Tell Lena about the pregnancy
“I offer Lena a seat before reading the clinic letter aloud.”
SUCCESS (Great Reasoning, rolled -1)
Rhea gestures toward the seating area and offers Lena a place on the sofa. Lena sits carefully, keeping her hands folded in her lap.
Lena Vale
Thank you. I will listen.
Rhea breaks the clinic seal and unfolds the letter. The paper trembles faintly in the morning light as Lena watches without interrupting.
Rhea
I am reading this aloud.
The letter confirms the pregnancy and explains that the clinic recommends an appointment to establish dates, assess health, and discuss available care.
Lena Vale
So it is real. You are going to have a baby.
Lena Vale
They trusted me with this before I have earned their trust.
Lena looks from the letter to Rhea's rounded abdomen, her surprise softening into something steadier. The apartment feels less like a secret room now.
Quest Complete
Open the clinic envelope