The observatory deck filled gradually through the late afternoon, the particular unhurried gathering of people who understood they had genuine time rather than urgent crisis demanding their continued attention.
Rama and Sekar arrived first with their daughter, now confidently walking, her small hands reaching toward the deck's familiar railing with the specific delighted curiosity that had characterized every visit since her first, careful introduction to this space months prior. Nakamura followed shortly after, Jin-ho beside him, her own advancing pregnancy now visibly evident, both of them carrying the particular warmth of people anticipating genuinely joyful arrival rather than uncertain crisis.
