The morning sun cast its golden glow through the windows of the hospital. The faint cries of a newborn echoed through the corridors, a sound that usually symbolized joy and new beginnings. But outside the delivery room, a man paced restlessly, his heart pounding against his chest. His hands trembled, his breath came in shallow bursts—he was overwhelmed with worry for his wife and their child but—
He stared at the closed doors with a quiet anticipation, his heart filled with trust in God for whatever the outcome would be.
"Whether ease or hardship comes, it is from God. I pray for goodness and safety, and I accept His decree with faith."
Then, at last, the door creaked open. The doctor stepped out, adjusting his mask. The man rushed toward him, his anxiety still evident but mingled with hope.
"O Doctor! How's my wife? Is she all right?"
The doctor smiled warmly.
"Yes, your wife is in stable condition, and your baby is perfectly healthy. You can go inside to see them now."
Relief washed over him like a tidal wave. His tense body loosened, and a deep breath escaped his lips.
"All praise is due to God. May God accept your supplication, thank you for delivering my son."
The Doctor nodded.
"Your welcome." He smiled
Without wasting another second, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.
His breath caught in his throat at the sight before him. His wife lay on the hospital bed, cradling their newborn in her arms. Her face glowed with exhaustion and happiness. The baby, wrapped in soft white cloth, squirmed slightly, letting out tiny murmurs.
Tears welled up in his eyes as he walked toward them, his steps slow, almost hesitant, as if afraid this moment wasn't real.
As he reached the bedside, he wrapped his arms around both of them, his emotions overwhelming him.
His wife looked up at him with a tired but loving smile.
"Oh, my love… why are you crying?"
He let out a choked laugh, wiping his tears.
"I'm just happy," he whispered. "Happy that we have a child… our firstborn."
She chuckled softly, gazing down at the baby.
"Look at him. He's so cute, isn't he?"
His heart swelled as he stared at their child.
"Yeah… he looks just like you, honey. Can I hold him?"
"Of course, my love."
She carefully handed their son to him. He cradled the baby in his arms, staring at the tiny face that already held so much life. He ran a gentle finger over the baby's soft cheek, his heart swelling with pride.
"Our son is so handsome," he murmured.
His wife pouted, crossing her arms.
"What? No! He's cute, not handsome!"
He chuckled, shaking his head.
"No! He's not just cute—he's handsome! You hear me?"
She rolled her eyes playfully. "Ugh, whatever you say!"
They laughed, their joy filling the room.
After a moment, she asked,
"What should we name him, my love?"
He fell into deep thought, wanting to give their child a name that carried meaning, strength, and destiny.
Then, suddenly—a whisper.
It was so faint, yet so clear. A deep voice brushed against his ear, speaking a single name:
"Zen'no."
His body tensed. His eyes darted around the room, but there was no one there. The voice had come from nowhere, yet it had felt so real. The sunlight streaming through the window cast a glow, creating an eerie presence in the room.
Yet… the name resonated with him.
He turned to his wife, his voice firm yet full of emotion.
"Zen'no… I think Zen'no is the perfect name. What do you think?"
Her face lit up instantly.
"Oh! That's a wonderful name, my love. It suits him perfectly."
Overwhelmed with happiness, he lifted his son slightly, gazing into his tiny face.
"From this day on, your name is Zen'no Hashino!"
His wife pouted again.
"You better not teach him to say he's 'handsome' first."
Their laughter was interrupted by the sudden sound of a door opening. A nurse entered, her face beaming with excitement.
"You are very lucky," she said. "Your child was born on a day filled with fortune. His birth will bring great luck to your family!"
He replied.
"You don't need to tell that, we are already lucky for having him. Thanks for that information." He smiled.
Both parents smiled at the sentiment, feeling as if their son truly was destined for something great.
The Soldiers Arrive
The peaceful silence shattered in an instant.
Heavy boots thundered against the hospital floor. Outside, the sharp clatter of weapons echoed down the sterile halls like a war cry.
Staff froze mid-step as Commander Henn and his armed soldiers stormed through the entrance, their presence casting a dark, oppressive shadow.
At the front desk, the receptionist gasped.
"What's going on?" she asked, voice trembling.
Commander Henn stepped forward, his gaze cold, his hand clasped behind his back.
"How many women here, have just given birth?"
She hesitated, dread crawling up her spine.
"I… I don't have access to that data. It's confidential. Only authorized person are allowed to—"
Henn slammed his fist on the desk,
"I am authorized person!"
She flinched.
"Tell me," he growled, leaning in, face inches from hers. "How many?"
Before she could answer, a doctor stepped into the scene.
He looked from Henn to the armed soldiers, alarm flashing across his face.
"Why are you all armed? What's happening?"
Henn turned to face him, his expression unreadable.
"We're here for the newborns."
Then, to the receptionist:
"Are you going to answer my question, lady?" he asked, eyes locked on hers with cold precision.
She said nothing, but he noticed the tremble in her hands.
"You've wasted enough of my time. Soldiers—search the building."
"Sir, yes sir!"
Gasps rippled through the staff as the soldiers marched toward the maternity ward on the ground floor.
A second doctor stepped forward, voice shaking.
"What the hell is going on? Newborns? You're taking babies?! They're innocent!"
Henn slowly drew his gun and aimed it at the doctor's head.
"It's none of your concern," he said, voice chillingly calm.
"Speak again—and you won't speak ever again."
The doctor froze, fists clenched, eyes burning—but powerless.
Doors were kicked open. The hospital, once a sanctuary of life, was now a war zone. Soldiers swept rooms like a raid, shouting to each other as they searched.
"Negative—just a pregnant woman."
"Nothing in here."
One by one, rooms turned up empty. Until they reached the third floor.
The chaos escalated. Mothers screamed. Fathers shouted for answers. Soldiers aimed their weapons like they were raiding a terrorist cell, not a maternity ward.
Then, they found one.
"Hand over your child!" a soldier barked.
The father stood trembling, arms protectively around his wife and child.
"Please… don't take my baby."
The soldier cocked his rifle.
"I won't say it again."
Tears spilled down the father's face. His wife sobbed, holding him tightly.
"We have no choice," she whispered.
With shaking hands, he passed over his newborn. The only thing they could do… was cry.
In another room, a father refused.
"You have no right!" he roared, clutching his child to his chest.
The soldier hesitated, then looked to his comrade.
"We're under orders. Do it."
The father's eyes widened.
"No—!"
BANG.
A gunshot echoed through the hospital.
Screams followed. Cries of newborns were drowned by the wails of grieving mothers.
And just like that, a morning meant for new life… became a nightmare.
End of the Chapter