in the evening the room was wrapped in the soft amber glow of the bedside lamp. In the corner, Theo slept peacefully in his crib, his tiny breaths rising and falling, the faintest sound of a baby’s sigh blending with the hush of the night. The air carried a calm scent milk, soap, and a trace of smoke lingering faintly on Varez shirt.

Shena sat at the edge of the bed, wearing a pale cream nightgown. Her black hair fell loose over her shoulders, half shadowing her face. She looked toward the crib, then slowly ran her hand over her belly just a gentle swell now, but already filled with life and meaning.

Varez stood near the wardrobe, unbuttoning his shirt and removing his watch. His shoulders looked tired, the muscles tense after a long day. Shena watched him quietly her gaze soft, yet playful, a spark hidden beneath tenderness.

"babe you’re tired, aren’t you?" said Shena, her voice barely above a whisper