Chapter 31: Mornings and Mood Swings

The morning sun filtered softly through the sheer curtains of Usagi’s bedroom, casting a warm glow that danced across her face. Despite the gentle light, Usagi stirred uncomfortably in her bed, her body feeling odd and heavy. It took her a moment to register the feelings bubbling in her stomach—a sensation that quickly began to churn ominously. A wave of nausea washed over her, and she bolted upright, trading the comfort of her blankets for the chill of the wooden floor. "Rei!" she called weakly, her voice a mere whisper, the excitement from just days ago replaced by something much more daunting. Rei, having anticipated an early start, was already in the kitchen, trying to recreate a comforting bowl of oatmeal sprinkled with sweet cinnamon. She rushed to Usagi’s side when she heard her call. "What is it, Usagi?" "I... I think I’m going to be sick," Usagi stammered, her face pale as she clutched her stomach. Rei didn’t waste a moment, quickly guiding Usagi to the bathroom where she knelt by the toilet. The familiar discomfort was overwhelming, and Usagi groaned, clutching her hair back as the nausea took hold. Afterward, Rei helped her settle back against the cool tiles. "Do you want some water or ginger tea?" Rei asked, rushing to the sink and pouring a glass. "Ugh, nothing right now—maybe a little ginger tea later. I just want to sleep," Usagi said faintly, already feeling exhausted from the ordeal. Rei knelt beside her, brushing Usagi’s hair back gently. "You’ve got to take care of yourself, Usagi. It’s okay to feel this way; your body is going through a lot right now. We’ll get through this together." Usagi sighed, a mix of relief and frustration swirling within her. Her friend’s calm demeanor helped ground her in the moment, but she couldn't help feeling a bit overwhelmed. "I’m supposed to be happy and glowing, not lying on the bathroom floor feeling like a wreck!" she complained, trying to suppress her emotions. Rei studied her closely, concerned but trying to keep things light. "It’s just the hormones messing with you. And remember, you’re growing a little human inside you! It’s okay to have mood swings. Let’s just take it a day at a time." Usagi nodded slowly, the tension in her shoulders easing a bit as she forced a smile. "Thanks for being so understanding, Rei. I guess I didn’t think about how... complicated everything would be." As the days wore on, moods shifted unexpectedly. One moment, Usagi would be grinning when she spotted a little outfit online for her future baby, and the next, she would feel a wave of sadness for no clear reason, staring off into space as tears threatened to escape. Rei remained her rock, adapting to Usagi’s every fluctuation with patience and kindness. If Usagi snapped about something trivial like the laundry being left out, Rei would simply respond with a soft smile and a hug, ignoring the slight edge in her tone. "It’s alright, Usagi. Just breathe. You’re doing great, really," she reassured, taking her friend's hands in her own, feeling the warmth radiate from her. Evenings became a new ritual, as Rei prepared light meals and ensured Usagi stayed hydrated. They would curl up on the sofa, wrapped in a thick blanket, watching their favorite shows, the mood lighter than the mornings felt. But there were still moments Usagi fought with herself—the guilt over her emotions spilling out, the worry of how she was going to manage pregnancy, and wanting so much for it to be a smooth journey. One evening, overwhelmed with emotion, she broke down in tears over a simple sad scene from their show. "I don’t know what’s wrong with me!" Usagi cried, wiping her eyes. Rei pulled her close, reassuring her without judgment. "Everything’s different. You’re allowed to feel what you’re feeling, Usagi. Just remember, it's all part of this wonderful journey of bringing new life into the world." Each day blended into the next, with more highs and more lows, but through it all, the unshakeable bond between Usagi and Rei only grew stronger. And although there was uncertainty ahead, Usagi found solace in knowing her best friend would be right by her side, ready to face everything together.