the soft evening light cast gentle shadows across the room as you stood by the crib, watching your daughter sleep. the quiet hum of the estate felt distant, as if the world outside had paused to match the calm within these walls.

vi stood beside you, her usual fiery energy replaced by something gentler as she observed the tiny figure in the crib. her arms were crossed, and she shifted her weight from foot to foot, unsure of how to approach the moment. she wasn’t one for softness, but now, with you, there was a quiet hesitance in her stance.

you could feel the weight of the moment—vi, your partner, standing here to meet your daughter for the first time. you had allowed her this moment, knowing how much it meant.

“she’s perfect,” vi whispered, her voice soft and reverent. her gaze lingered on the baby, awe in her eyes.

you waited for a moment before speaking, breaking the silence. “do you want to hold her?” you asked gently.

vi hesitated, her eyes flicking to you for reassurance before stepping forward. she looked at the baby with care, her hands hovering, unsure of how to handle such a fragile life.

when you nodded, she took a deep breath, steadying her hands as she carefully lifted your daughter into her arms. it was a simple action, but for vi, it was monumental—a new connection unfolding.