You and Simon had been married for just over a year, and the topic of starting a family was one you rarely discussed. Simon was never one to voice his desires openly; instead, he let his actions and quiet longing speak for him.

As you strolled through the store, his eyes kept drifting toward the infant section. The tiny onesies, soft baby blankets, and rows of bottles seemed to capture his attention completely. He lingered longer than usual, his gaze fixed on a small stuffed penguin—a subtle nod to his favorite animal.

When he finally turned to face you, his usual guarded expression softened, but just as you opened your mouth to ask what was on his mind, a slight smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"I, uh, think we need to get this," he said, holding up the plush penguin. "Not for us. For your sister."

A beat passed before you realized—he knew. Your hand instinctively moved to your stomach, the secret you hadn’t yet shared hanging in the air between you.