be affordable, had suddenly gone up now. Her face twisted in regret, wishing she had bought it when she had the ch

ith her to the local store, even though it was several steps away from their house. She h

e one she originally wanted. When she showed it to the woman in charge

beyond what th

al vendors were already pricing items this high, she couldn't help but wonder wh

could walk into any store and walk out with bags full of baby clothes without worrying about cost. If Gloria were half

f the market, tired of the prices, tired of being reminded of what she couldn't give her child. Gerald merely shrugged in response, and

this, ma'am?" the vendor's v

ly, heat creeping up her neck.

vier with every step they took past the stall. She kept her eyes on th

at her. She felt it without looking

herself to sound composed. "I understan

tasted bitter

them for you. It's for the baby anyway. And he's our first chil

r steps

surprise lighting up h

dded, smiling. "Anythin

across her face. "Tha

d. "When I get back from work tomo

st. Even when they didn't have much, he always found a way to make he

out you," she said quietly. "I'm re

And so

rp and unforgiving. Gloria gasped, clutching her stomach as pain surged through her. H

he asked quickly.

uneven. "I think... I t

elt unreal as th

clearly startled. "What? No

her harder than the pain

snapped, the pain and fear spilling

zed her, stealing the chance to apologize. She had never spoken to him that way before-not

ald said quickly. "Ho

in. It felt like only seconds before a white taxi pulled up. Gerald jumped out and rushed to her

f a large medical center. Gloria barely registered the build

os Medica

he closest to the market. Everyone knew places like this didn't come cheap. And she ha

ngside the pain. They didn't have much. She knew that. Whatever he had

did they have? She co

ery step felt heavier than the last as they made their way inside. Gloria clinged to Ge

**

bed. Vanessa lay unconscious, her face pale against the white sheets. Anita gently took her granddaughter's wrist, her gaze lingering on the needle taped carefully

nexpected. It had always been this way whenever Vanessa gave birth. Still, she had survived it before,

t. The baby lay there, wrapped neatly, her tiny chest rising ever so slightly.

she thought. 'Th

at last, her prayers seemed to have been answered. She imagined what it would feel like to carry her great-

A chill crept down her spine as she leaned closer. Her hands trembled slightly as she reached into the bassinet and brushed her

ere was

caught painful

... not

the realization struck her like

s she scanned the corridor for a doctor. At first, she tried to convince herse

hin moments, she was already turning back, leading him briskly down the corridor towar

doctor, his face tense as well. But Anita barely registered him as

orner of her eye, she noticed a young nurse rushing down the corridor, something bundled tightly in her arms. The way the nurse moved- almost

it almost immediately. This was no time for suspicion. Her mind was already burdened enough, and she refused to indulge t

nd moved to stand beside him, her eyes fixed on the bassinet. At first glance, the baby appeared healthier than bef

asn't what unse

by looked..

ht. 'Am I imagining things? Or has fea

straightened. "Everything is fine, madam...There's nothing wro

ld again, her doubts refus

murmured, barely a

rned to her. "Did

"I don't know. I just feel something is od

sible. We all know newborns often look alike, except for differences in complexion. Be

anything else, a weak move

nessa s

She seemed confused at first, as though unsure whether she was awake or still dreaming

e, panic overtaking her fragile state as tears well

y dangerous. She knew that look all too well. It was the look of

ping an arm around Vanessa's shoulders. "Relax,

anessa insisted weakly. "Pl

with the doctor. He gave a s

mind again-but she forced it down. Perhaps she had been mistaken earlier. Perhaps fear ha

these suspicions,' she told h

y over and placed her ge

" Anita said evenly. "Y

oy. She kissed the baby's forehead tenderly. "I'm happy you survived, baby. I love you so

ok, Grandma. Your great-grandchild is h

e joy on Vanessa's face se

re was no proof anyway. It was only just a hun

hild. I'm happy for this new addition to our family.

glanced at her briefly, surprise flicke

miled faintly.

ow, peace was more important than doubt. And