The Padding Bellies (II)
With their padding in place, the healer girls exchanged a determined look. They were ready to step into the roles they had to play, to deceive and protect, to give their sisters a chance at freedom.
Queen Oda's regime soldiers would grow suspicious if they didn't see a single pregnant woman in the room.
They had to keep the soldiers occupied with this deception as long as possible, until the escaped healer girls arrived in Cleaport.
They straightened their dresses after tying the padding tightly to prevent it from falling out. Then, the healer girls exchanged somber glances. Those who remained were willing to act as shields to save the others.
Once again, tears welled up and fell from their eyes. All of this felt like a nightmare they had never imagined before. The healer girls embraced each other with heartbreaking sobs.