The Pregnancy Test
by Ariel Rosen
Dr. Abbott, it's Jackie Coulson. I need to get a hold of you immediately.
Jackie what's wrong? I can't speak on the phone right now.
It happened.
What happened?
I can't say over text.
This is a secure line.
The radicals won't get a hold of these messages?
They won't.
Are you sure?
I am the only government appointed OB/GYN. I can assure you this line is absolutely secure.
I bought a pregnancy test off the black market.
It came up positive.
Those tests are engineered to fool you. People are so desperate these days, they'll buy into anything.
I took 17 of them. They all came up positive.
That doesn't mean anything.
I read about morning sickness online...I think that's what's happening to me. I also skipped my period.
None of this means anything. When I get back from Germany in a couple of weeks, we can discuss.
No, Dr. Abbott, I need to know now. Can't you come back to New York?
If I leave, the radicals will notice. They'll track my movements. They'll find you.
Can you send me some sort of test? Anything?
I'll see what I can do. I have to go now.
________
I'm sending you a specialized test in the mail. It will be disguised in a box of thermometers.
When will it get here?
Couple days. But there's only one, so don't screw it up.
Do I pee on it like the others?
Yes, but you have to be precise with it. Have you told anyone?
No
What about your husband?
Not even him. I want to know for sure.
Let me know what happens.
_______
I just got the test. The delivery man seemed suspicious. Wanted to know why I need so many thermometers.
Let me know what the test says.
Hold on, I'm gonna go down some water.
Okay, taking the test now.
Dr. Abbott
Yes?
It's positive.
Oh my God.
Holy shit.
You're sure?
No doubt about it.
Do you realize that you are the first woman in 23 years to become pregnant?
What do I do?
I'll be back in 6 days. Until I get there, do not leave your house, do not call anyone you wouldn't ordinarily talk to, and do not tell a soul. Not even your husband. I need to do a blood test to confirm absolutely.
Then what?
Then you go into hiding.
From the radicals...
These people will do anything to keep the human race from populating. So we have to do anything to protect our only chance for survival.
Until then, no drinking. Eat healthy foods, lean meats, vegetables. Rest often.
Thank you Dr. Abbott.
________
Dr. Abbott, I’m scared.
Why? What’s wrong?
What if I’m not up to this? What if something goes wrong?
With the pregnancy?
I was reading about miscarriages.
Don’t read about that stuff.
But it’s a possibility, isn’t it?
Yes, but there’s no use in thinking about it.
But I’m really afraid. Humanity is relying on me. On JUST me.
But Jackie, if you are fertile, then there’s a chance that others are fertile. And that your children will be fertile!
You think so?
Of course! In this world of ours, we need to have hope.
I can already feel her.
Her?
It’s a girl. It has to be a girl.
Let’s hope she’s a healthy girl.
When are you returning from Germany?
3 days. I’ll be back in the morning, and I’ll send a car to your home going straight to my office.
Could I possibly get some security around my home?
No, it’ll attract attention.
Right, okay. See you in 3 days.
___________
Oh my God, they know
Who knows?
The delivery man---he was a radical! They've been around my house, I see them through the windows.
Does your husband know?
No, and he's confused...should I tell him?
Yes. You'll need his protection.
Okay I told him. He's in shock. Won’t speak.
Do you have a saferoom, someplace you can go?
No...only the basement.
Go down there. Lock all the doors and windows.
Okay we're down in the basement. My husband is freaking out!
Calm down. I'm going to contact the police.
It's too late for that!!
Just concentrate on keeping you and your baby safe.
Someone just shot through the basement window!
Where are you??
I'm hiding in the bathtub, in the basement bathroom
The police are on their way!
My husband is dead oh my god
Keep calm, they won't find you.
I hear footsteps
Jackie, someone will be there soon. Keep the baby safe!!!
They're going to kill me
No they aren't. Stay with me Jackie!
Jackie?
Jackie answer me!!!!
Jackie can't text you anymore, Dr. Abbott. Face the facts: our disgusting race will soon be extinct. And there's nothing you can do.
What did you do?!?!
Goodbye, Dr. Abbott.
App