LIFE goes on. Greg, Gavin, and Naomi are back at work. It's been three months since Shannel's death. They are still grieving but they are trying their best at work. At home, silence prevails. Gavin and Naomi have brought more of their belongings to the family house. They had initially intended a short stay after Henry's demise, but everything changed when Shannel also passed away. It's not reasonable that they leave only Greg in the house, hence, they moved in—fully.
Gavin has been totally solitary. He no longer converses with anybody, not even his wife. He segregates himself from everybody. Whenever Naomi endeavours to have a chat with him, his responses are bland. They now live together more like roommates than soulmates. Gavin is so bereaved that he doesn't interact with anybody unless it is necessary. He's still convinced his ill luck dissolved his family through his marriage.
"My expected date of delivery is next week," Naomi announces as she sits beside Gavin on the bed.
"What day of the week?" Gavin responds.
"Probably Tuesday."
"I will request to take that day off. I will drive you to the hospital."
"Aren't you excited?"
"I pray you have a safe delivery."
"Okay, and? I'm having your child! There's not a sliver of a smile on your face. We both agreed to get pregnant, I suppose?"
"Who will take care of this forthcoming child? Look around you, Naomi, everyone's dead." Gavin responds coldly.
"Gavin, you need to start counting your blessings. Everything happens for a reason. You can't be alive and be living like you are dead. You don't even look at me anymore. In my antenatal appointments, pregnant women are advised to engage in plenty of sexual intercourse as it might ease delivery on the due date. When my hormones rise, I get really emotional but you don't even care. We've not had a proper conversation in months. We are lovers, not roommates. It's not fair that you won't stop shutting me out. 'For better, for worse', do you remember?"
"I told you I will take that day off. What's left to do?"
"I didn't marry you to be treated like a liability, Gavin. I don't deserve all of these. It's not easy for me either, yet I try. I put in effort. You, on the other hand, seem to be dissociated from everyone and disconnected from everything."
"Naomi, good night." Gavin turns his back.
Naomi shakes her head. She is getting frustrated with Gavin's new habit—keeping a distance. It seems even her mere breathing disturbs him. She feels very lonely when with him.
On Tuesday, Gavin drives Naomi to the hospital.
"Daddy." Naomi smiles. "Are you ready to be called Daddy?"
"Maybe she will be like Gem or my Mum." Gavin smiles.
"For sure." Naomi nods.
"Congratulations! Father of the daughter." The doctor announces, two hours later, to Gavin who has been restless.
"My goodness. Thank heavens! Is my wife okay?"
"Both mother and daughter are fine. Although your wife needs a lot of rest."
"Thank you, doctor. I will make sure she gets plenty of rest. May I check on her and my baby now?"
"Yes, please. Have a nice day."
"Hello, Naams." Gavin enters the ward.
"Hi, Daddy." Naomi smiles faintly. "Look at her over here." Naomi points to the cot placed by her bedside. "The ultrasound scan was 100% accurate about her sex."
Gavin moves closer to the cot. "She's so beautiful." He lifts her to his chest. "Do you feel any pain, Naams?"
"Not really. I feel weak though."
"Sorry, my queen. Greg is on his way here."
"Uncle Greg." Naomi chuckles.
Gavin grins. "I wish Gem and my parents were here right now. There would be ecstasy in the air, literally." Gavin sulks.
"They are watching over us. I know they are smiling down at us right now. They will take care of us." Naomi persuades.