The Births

Ali sat by the bed, looking at his tired but glowing wife.

It had been hard on her the past few months, especially in the last trimester. The closer it got to the date, the bigger her fear. It was as if what it was just there, barely out of reach.

So near, yet so far.

She was afraid to hope, but the yearning was very strong.

Ali was the calm one, or to be more accurate, the calmer one.

He had to be, for he could see how worried Sofiya was. 

Ali leaned forward and kissed her gently, "You're such a strong woman, my love."

Sofiya smiled, holding his hand and touching her bulging stomach at the same time.

"He's a strong one," she whispered.

"Like his mother," Ali agreed.

"Will it really be okay, Ali?" Sofiya asked.

Ali took a deep breath.

What should he tell her? Say the nice, comforting words that may not be true? Till now, there is always a risk. Yet, does one really want to hear the truth?