Beyond the Divorce

When I woke up, the sharp scent of hospital disinfectant filled my nose. Groggily turning over, I collided with a warm body. I quickly opened my eyes to find Atlas lying beside me. Staring at him in confusion, I struggled to grasp what was happening.

He looked at me with a tender smile and gently kissed me. "Good morning, sleepyhead. Are you finally awake?"

Still dazed, I mumbled, "What time is it?"

"It's 7," he replied softly.

"7?" I blinked, suddenly realizing it was evening. But why did it still seem like dawn outside?

"7 p.m.," Atlas clarified.

I gasped, glancing outside and then back at him.

"It's 7 p.m.? Then... where's Dad?" Uncertain, I asked, trying to make sense of it all.

"He woke up briefly, then dozed off again. The doctor says he's finally getting some real rest," Atlas informed me in a gentle tone.

through me. So, it was all real-my biological

sat up abruptly, ready to get out of bed. Atlas's hand shot out to

see my Dad,"

at me with affection and warmth in his eyes. Maybe there

slapped his arm. "Hey. We're in the

attempted to get out of bed again, but he held me back. "Hold on, you can see your dad later, but let's get something straight first. Don't get too worked up. Get up, grab a bite, then go

last meal I had was yesterday morning. That meal made

Now, I was famished.

with me.

says he might

up and helped me. "You need to eat properly, or else

looked at him in astonishment, feeling a bit dazed.

rubbed my abdomen. "You're pregnant. We're going to have a

I was taken aback, staring at him

leaving me