It was a bitterly cold evening. A hush had settled over Trueside City, the kind of stillness that made even the wind seem cautious. Most people had retreated indoors, seeking warmth from the biting chill.
But somewhere along a quiet street, that silence was broken. From inside one modest home came the strained, painful groans of a woman in labor.
"Somebody help! Aaarrghhh!!" her voice rang out.She was alone at home, sprawled across the floor of her living room. A neighbor heard her and rushed to the front door but realizing it was locked, he ran to the window side and luckily, he had found a stone which he used to shatter the window glass and jump in.
"Oh my God, Camila, where is your husband?!" he asked, not expecting her to respond in her situation anyway, so he just dropped to his knees beside her. "Just breathe, okay? Try to stay calm."
With trembling fingers, Ken fumbled for his phone, dialing for a ride. Minutes later, he helped Camila into the vehicle, holding her hand the entire way to the hospital.
—
Hours passed. Now, in a softly lit hospital room, Camila rested with her newborn in her arms—a baby girl. Her cheeks were flushed, her body exhausted, but her eyes smiled at the bundle of joy in her hands. Ken was still at her side, watching them both with awe.
"She's beautiful," Ken whispered, smiling at the baby.
Camila nodded weakly, brushing her thumb over her baby's hairy head. She was already so hairy just like her dad. That's all she got from his genes, the rest were all hers.
It was as though Ken could hear her thoughts. Voice lowered, He asked, "Camila… where's your husband? He still hasn't answered any of your calls?"
Camila's expression dimmed. She sighed deeply.
"To be honest, Ken… I don't know. He said he had an urgent meeting a few days ago and left. I haven't seen him since." Her voice cracked slightly. "I'm scared, but I'm angry too."
Ken's eyes widened. "You don't think something bad has happened to him?"
"No," Camila said quickly, shaking her head. "His colleague said he sees him at work every day. He's fine. That's why I'm scared… because I think he might actually be trying to leave us."
There was a heavy pause.
"That's… awful," Ken murmured.
Camila closed her eyes for a moment, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Can we not talk about him please? I'm too tired."
Ken nodded. "Of course. You should rest. The doctor said he'd come check in soon anyway."
Just then, the door creaked open and the doctor stepped inside, clipboard in hand and a gentle smile on his face.
"Well, Congratulations to the both of you," he said warmly, "Mother and child are both doing well. You've responded perfectly to treatment, and since it's been two days, you're free to go."
They both managed a small smile. "Thank you, doctor." Ken said. It was easy for them to be discharged easily without the presence of the baby's actual father because Camila lied about Ken being the dad.
Ken stood, already moving to gather their things. "I'll pack us up. Let's get you and the little one home." She looked down at the baby with a fond grin. "She's precious… just look at her. Blue eyes… absolutely beautiful, just like her mother's."
Camila looked at her daughter again, her heart aching and full all at once.
They gathered their belongings and stepped out of the hospital together.