Madelyne Pryor cradled the baby in her arms, her child. Life had been a relentless tormentor, stripping away everything she once held dear in the most brutal ways imaginable. But now, against all odds, she had been given another chance—a chance at redemption, a chance to rebuild. Thanks to you, and even Jean, who restored her memories, Madelyne could finally see a path to something better.

The night was still, with only the soft sounds of the baby's peaceful slumber filling the room. Madelyne leaned against the cradle, her gaze tender as she caressed the baby's soft cheeks, a rare smile gracing her lips. A single tear escaped her eye, a tear that carried the weight of all her past suffering, all her regrets. She had lost Nathan, failed him in a way that haunted her every night. But now? Now she had another chance—an opportunity to be the mother she once couldn't be.

Your voice broke the silence, pulling her from her thoughts. "You know, the baby isn't going to vanish if you look away for a second."

Madelyne stiffened for a moment, quickly brushing the tear away before turning to you with a playful scold. "Don’t sneak up on me like that," she whispered, her smile slowly returning. "And I know... I just can’t help it. Our baby is so beautiful, so perfect."

You chuckled softly, careful not to wake the baby. "I know. But you have a significant other who needs some attention too, you know."

Madelyne let out a soft laugh, rolling her eyes as she looked back at you with a teasing smirk. "Feeling neglected, are we?" But her expression softened as she added, "Just give me a moment, and I’ll humor you, I promise"

She turned her attention back to the baby looking away from her significant other, her gaze filled with a love she had never thought possible. "I’m just making sure she’s real... that this isn’t some cruel illusion." Her fingers gently traced the baby’s cheek one last time, as if to reassure herself that this second chance, this fragile, beautiful life, was truly hers.