A week had passed since Lylia's interview, and still, no response came. The days were growing longer, but in her tiny apartment, time moved gently. In the kitchen, the soft sizzling of eggs filled the air, and a baby cradle gently rocked in the living room.
"It's almost ready, Lumiel," Lylia said, smiling brighter than ever.
Lumiel lay quietly asleep in his bed, his tiny chest rising and falling with each breath.
Lylia hummed softly while cooking, moving about the kitchen with practiced care. "It's ready," she whispered, arranging both their meals at the small dining table.
She tiptoed to the cradle and peered inside. "It's time to eat, Lumiel," she said gently.
Still sleeping, the infant offered no response.
> "Still sleeping? Sleep well and grow, Lumiel," she murmured.
She leaned down and kissed his soft cheek. Lumiel stirred slightly and offered a faint smile in his slumber. That small expression filled Lylia with warmth.
"I'm so grateful to have you, Lumiel," she whispered.
After finishing her own meal, Lylia picked up Lumiel and gently coaxed him awake. She warmed a bottle of milk and fed him with practiced care.
"You need to drink milk so you can grow up fast," she cooed.
A soft burp escaped from Lumiel, followed by a hiccup.
"Wow, Lumiel, that sure was a big one." Lylia giggled and patted his back before returning him to his cradle. He dozed off again, content and warm.
> "While Lumiel is still sleeping, I need to prepare his necessities to give to Freya later," she thought.
Lylia had arranged to introduce Lumiel to Hanz and Freya at 4 PM and hoped to ask them a favor—to watch over him occasionally. The clock showed 3:47 PM. Wasting no time, she packed a bag with baby essentials: diapers, a bottle, spare clothes. She folded up the baby stroller she bought online, funded by the money she found in the envelope.
"I'm so excited to introduce you, Lumiel," she whispered, gently lifting him. "I wonder what their reaction will be."
She boarded a bullet train bound for Hanz and Freya's residence. The stroller folded at her side and the bag resting on her shoulder.
"We're almost there, Lumiel," she said, cradling him in her arms as he slept peacefully.
At the door of the cozy home, Lylia knocked.
Inside, Hanz and Freya had just finished eating a cake Freya baked.
"Hey Hanz," Freya called from the living room.
"What is it?" Hanz responded, still drying dishes in the kitchen.
"Do you have a visitor or something?"
"Nope. Why?"
"Someone's knocking."
"I'll go check it. Just rest for now."
He walked to the door and opened it. His eyes widened in surprise.
"Who was it, Hanz?" Freya asked.
"Hi, Hanz. It's nice to see you again," Lylia said with a soft smile, holding Lumiel.
"L-Lylia?" Hanz stammered.
Freya peeked from the living room and waved. "Oh! It's Lylia, hi~"
Lylia waved back politely.
Then Hanz noticed the baby in her arms. His jaw dropped.
"You... you're way quicker than us, Lylia."
"Oh no—no, it's not what you think! I mean, yes, I do have a baby now, but he's adopted," she clarified, flustered.
"Still got further than us. Please come in and explain."
"Okay... sorry for the intrusion."
Freya's eyes sparkled when she saw the infant.
"Ou~ is that baby yours, Lylia? He's so cute! Or is it a she? What's his or her name?" she asked excitedly.
"Hun, settle down," Hanz said with a chuckle. "Let her breathe first."
Freya pouted. "Okay... but can I know his name?"
> "They really do love each other," Lylia thought with a grin. "His name is Lumiel."
"Ou~ so it's a boy! So cute."
"So what brings you here, Lylia? To show up like this, unannounced..."
Lylia placed the bag down and opened it. "I was wondering if you two could help take care of Lumiel when I'm out. I really don't have anyone else I can trust."
Hanz hesitated. "I don't know if we can raise a baby ye—"
"Of course!" Freya interrupted. "I'd
love to help care for Lumiel while you're gone."
"Freya..."
"What? It would be like practice before we get our own child."
Hanz's face turned red. "So... you're thinking of having a child soon?"
Freya turned red herself, realizing what she had just said. Silence followed.
> "This is such a sweet household," Lylia thought warmly.
And for the first time in a long time, she didn't feel so alone.