The maternity ward was still buzzing with excitement when the nurse placed five newborns into their mother’s arms. She had carried them for months with a quiet mixture of fear and hope, never imagining she would welcome all five safely into the world. As she held them close, still warm from birth, she felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. They were tiny, delicate, and beautiful.
Her partner stepped forward to meet them, but instead of the joy she expected, she watched something close to panic settle over his face. He stared at the babies as if they were strangers. The room felt suddenly cold.
Continue reading…
