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.

it was all real-my biological father was

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

my Dad," I

his eyes. Maybe there

arm. "Hey. We're in the hospital, remember? Watch

dad later, but let's get something straight first. Don't get too worked up. Get up, grab a bite, then go see him." "Oh. I'll just take a peek at him and

had was yesterday morning. That meal made me feel

Now, I was famished.

with me. Eat

he might sleep

got up and helped me. "You need to eat properly, or else our baby won't get enough

him in astonishment, feeling a bit

abdomen. "You're pregnant. We're going to have

aback, staring at him in disbelief,

was quite sudden, leaving