Zuria
The hallway to the nursery felt like an endless stretch of time, each step heavier than the last, despite the IV pole rattling beside me. My palms were clammy, my heart pounding wildly in anticipation. I could feel Danny watching me with that gentle smirk he wore when he was trying to be supportive but didn't quite know how.
"You look like you're about to run a marathon," he said with a soft chuckle.
I glanced at him, narrowing my eyes. "Would you blame me if I did? I've waited for this moment for months, Danny. I almost lost them. I almost didn't make it this far. Of course I'm excited."
"You're right," he said, the teasing fading from his voice. "Sorry. Dumb thing to say."
I nodded, accepting the apology without needing it verbalized. Silence fell between us as we continued walking. Maya trailed a few paces behind us, unusually quiet. Her presence was comforting, like the grounding warmth of a familiar blanket.
