Chapter 9: Whirlwind of Emotions

Ami woke up the next morning feeling off-balance, her stomach swirling with unease. The sunlight filtered through her curtains, casting a warm hue around her room, but the beauty of it was lost on her. She quickly sat up, clutching her belly as waves of nausea washed over her. "Not today, please," she murmured, wishing the queasiness away. As she stumbled to the bathroom, she found herself leaning over the sink, surrendering to the queasy sensation. The ordeal lasted only a few moments, but it left her shaken. Shakily, she rinsed her mouth and blinked back a sudden blur of tears. It was already starting—the morning sickness that she had read about but didn’t think would affect her so early on. Determined to shake off the discomfort, Ami got ready and headed downstairs where Minako was already prepping for breakfast. "Good morning! How are you feeling?" Minako chirped, her voice bright with energy. Ami managed a smile, but the moment was fleeting as another wave of nausea hit her, causing her to frown. "I just need some breakfast. I’ll be fine." Minako eyed her with concern. "Are you sure? You look a little pale. What do you want? I can make toast or some eggs?" Ami felt the irritation bubbling within her, the hormones playing tricks on her emotions. She snapped, "Just make it quick, please! You don’t need to act like I’m fragile." The harshness in her tone took her by surprise. She immediately regretted the outburst, watching as Minako’s expression softened rather than hardened. “Okay, okay, I’ll get it ready,” Minako replied, her calmness a steady anchor amidst Ami’s storming feelings. As she moved about the kitchen, Ami could see the effort Minako made, and guilt gnawed at her. But before she could apologize, another wave of moodiness struck. A few moments later, Ami plopped down at the table, feeling the discomfort lingering in her belly. Minako set a plate of toast and scrambled eggs before her. "Eat up! You need your strength," Minako encouraged. Ami sighed, forcing herself to take a few bites, but her thoughts were racing. Just then, Usagi’s voice floated up the stairs. "Hey, is anyone up? I’m starving!" Usagi entered the kitchen moments later, her hair tousled and bright as always. "What’s for breakfast?" Nothing seemed extraordinary about the scene, yet Ami felt a growing storm inside her. As they chatted about plans for the day, another wave of moodiness washed over Ami. She stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. "I can’t deal with this right now! I need space!" The room fell silent. Minako’s face showed surprise, but she kept steady. Usagi exchanged a worried glance with Rei, who had just arrived. To them, it might have seemed that Ami was just overwhelmed, but she felt as if she was suffocating under the weight of a thousand unsaid words. Ami stormed out of the kitchen and into the living room, clenching her fists at her sides, taking deep breaths. The anxiety tightened in her chest, tightening like a vice. Moments later, Minako followed her, stepping carefully into the living room. "Ami, talk to me," she said softly. Her eyes held no judgment, only understanding. "I don’t know what’s wrong with me!" Ami burst out, a mix of frustration and overwhelmed emotion spilling over. "I feel sick, and everything’s just so... so much!" Minako stepped closer, her voice steady. "It’s normal. Mood swings and sickness. I was a wreck when I was pregnant too. You can talk to us, Ami. We’re here to help you through this. You’re not alone." Her calmness was a soothing balm against Ami’s whirlwind of feelings. Usagi joined them, a knowing smile stretching across her face. "Ami, I had the worst mood swings when I was pregnant with Rachel and Uriah. I thought I was losing my mind. I snapped at everyone!" Rei chimed in, her tone reassuring. "And look at them now—two kids who drive me crazy but also bring me so much joy. You’ll get through this. It’s all part of motherhood!" Ami barely managed a smile through the haze of her emotions. "I’m sorry for snapping like that, you guys. I just... I don’t know how to handle this yet." "You’re doing great, and it’s okay to have those feelings. We’ve got your back—always," Minako said, wrapping her arms around her. In that moment, the warmth of her friends surrounded her like a protective blanket. The anxiety and sickness swirling inside her didn’t disappear, but the need for support had been acknowledged, and she felt a little lighter as the understanding enveloped her.