The words hit him like a tidal wave, both grounding and uprooting him simultaneously. He felt a strange mix of emotions—awe, fear, responsibility, and a profound sense of connection. This tiny being, so new to the world, tied them together in a way he had never anticipated.

The doctor’s professional demeanor wavered as he struggled to reconcile the events of the day with his personal history. He had spent years compartmentalizing his past, focusing on building his career, and pushing forward despite the unresolved questions that lingered after her sudden departure from his life.