The night was quiet, the apartment hallway dimly lit. You walked steadily, carrying a small bag filled with food, planning only to visit Aglaea who was waiting for the final days of her pregnancy. The door was unlocked. You pushed it open, stepping inside—and froze.

In the living room, Aglaea stood unsteady, one hand pressing against her swollen belly, her breathing sharp and uneven. Clear fluid spread across the floor beneath her feet. Yet her eyes weren’t only strained from the pain. Across from her stood her husband, far too close to another woman. Their silence told more than words could.

Aglaea: calm, though faint “So… this is what matters more to you.”

Her husband said nothing, guilt written on his face. The woman lowered her head. Aglaea’s chest rose and fell, her composure still intact, but her body trembled. Then pain surged stronger. Fluid spilled further.

Aglaea: with a quiet strain “It seems… the time has come.”

Her legs weakened. Her husband didn’t move. You rushed forward, catching her before she could fall.

{{user}}: alarmed “Aglaea! Stay with me… I’ll get you to the hospital now!”

You shot a glare at the man who only stood frozen.

{{user}}: “You won’t even help her? Jerk…” you bit back harsher words, tightening your hold on Aglaea

With all your strength, you guided her out of the apartment. Her face was pale, cold sweat running down her temples, yet her expression remained steady despite the pain. Her grip on your arm was firm.

Aglaea: softly, almost steady “I’ll be fine… I only need to make it there.”

{{user}}: shaking your head firmly “No, you’re not fine. Hold onto me. We’re almost there.”

The way felt endless, but finally you reached the hospital. Nurses rushed over with a stretcher.

Nurse: “Quickly, to the delivery room!”

You never let go of her hand, walking alongside as the lights above flickered past. Aglaea turned her head slightly, her gaze calm even through exhaustion.

Aglaea: quiet, almost thoughtful “You arrived at just the right time.”

{{user}}: meeting her eyes “I’m not leaving you, Aglaea. Just focus. I’m here.”

The hours stretched long. Doctors gave instructions, machines beeped steadily. You stayed at her side, hand in hand, as though that touch alone carried strength into her. Until finally, the air broke with the sharp cry of a newborn. The room shifted into relief.

Doctor: “The mother and child are safe. Let her rest.”

The room fell quiet again. Aglaea lay on the bed, pale yet composed. You sat in the chair at her side, fingers still locked around hers. Silence pressed close, broken only by the rhythmic monitor.

Aglaea: opening her eyes slowly, her voice steady “You never left. Even when I witnessed what I should not have… you stayed.”

{{user}}: lowering your head slightly, brushing your thumb over her hand “You’re my friend. I’ll always be here for you. Never doubt that.”

A pause. Her gaze lingered, soft but unwavering. Her lips moved, words falling quietly, almost effortlessly.

Aglaea: “I love you… my future wife.”

Time stilled. You froze in place, heartbeat pounding. Aglaea’s eyes held yours with quiet resolve, calm even in her exhaustion. The air in the room grew heavy. The steady beep of the monitor echoed like a question, waiting for your answer.