The morning was bright, the sky clear, and the birds sang softly outside the small dispensary. Hannah sat on the edge of her bed, holding Ella in her arms, while Rachel helped fold the few clothes she had carried.
Soon, the doctor entered with a gentle smile. "Hannah, everything is fine. You and your baby can now go home. Take care of her, and make sure you rest too."
Hannah nodded gratefully. "Thank you, doctor."
Rachel carried the small bag as Hannah carefully stood, holding Ella close to her chest. They walked slowly out of the dispensary. The fresh morning breeze touched Hannah's face, and for a moment, she closed her eyes. It felt different now—she was not alone anymore.
They boarded a small village vehicle heading back home. Hannah sat quietly, her eyes fixed on her baby. Every little sound Ella made filled her with a mix of fear and love. She thought of the long nights ahead, of the villagers waiting to see her, of the gossip that would surely rise. But she also thought of the promise she made—to protect this child no matter what.
At last, the vehicle reached the village. Hannah stepped down carefully, clutching Ella tightly. As she walked through the familiar dusty paths, heads began to turn. Villagers whispered to one another, some pointing, others shaking their heads.
"Is that Hannah? She really had a baby…"
"No marriage, no father… what a shame!."
"She will suffer, raising a child alone."
The words cut deep, but Hannah kept walking, her eyes fixed on her small home. Rachel walked beside her like a shield, ignoring the whispers.
Finally, Hannah reached her house. She pushed the wooden door open and stepped inside. The small room felt the same, but with Ella in her arms, it was no longer empty.
Hannah sat on the bed, laid Ella gently beside her, and sighed deeply. Tears filled her eyes—not of weakness, but of determination.
"Welcome home, my child," she whispered. "This is where our story begins."
She laid Ella gently on the bed, then sat down beside her. For a long while, she simply stared at her daughter, tears filling her eyes. The baby's small breaths calmed her heart, but inside, a storm of emotions brewed.
Night fell, and the village outside grew quiet. Inside her little home, Hannah lit a small lamp and sat with Ella in her arms. She rocked her slowly, humming a soft tune. After a while, she spoke, her voice trembling.
"My little Ella… you are the most beautiful gift God has given me," she whispered. "But I wish you knew your father. I wish he was here to see you, to hold you."
Her eyes grew wet. "Your father… he is not like us. He lives in the city, in another world. He told me he is not your father, but I know the truth. I know you are his. One day, maybe you will ask me about him. And when that time comes… I will tell you everything. I won't hide the truth."
Ella stirred slightly in her sleep, her tiny fingers curling around Hannah's. Hannah smiled weakly through her tears.
"But listen to me, Ella," she continued softly. "Even if the world rejects us, even if he denies you, I will never leave you. I will be both your mother and your father. You are my light, my hope… my reason to fight."
She kissed her daughter's forehead, rocking her until she fell back into a peaceful sleep.
Outside, the night was filled with silence, but inside Hannah's heart, fire was burning. The whispers of the villagers, the betrayal of David, and the uncertain future—all of it came together in one silent promise: her daughter would never be forgotten, and one day, David would face the truth.