( …continued)
The soft whimpering clawed at Autumn's chest…faint, like the mewling of a lost soul in distress… yet urgent…reaching out to her…
Her eyes fluttered…Her tears were falling so fast her vision was getting clouded. She couldn't tell where she was anymore. The space felt fluid…mist curling like smoke around her, whispering half sounds, half noise.
She scrambled on her knees, reaching forward with trembling hands. As her fingers curled around the tiny bundle, the crying ceased. The baby stilled… as if sensing her touch, as if recognizing her. Autumn lifted it closer, bringing its downy head to her chest.
And the scent hit her.
It was kind of familiar.Deeply, achingly familiar.
Her entire body stilled as if some thread in the cosmos had been pulled taut.
The baby nestled into her chest, curling slightly, as though it had always belonged there. A gasp broke from her lips, soft.
