The clinic was quiet. Too quiet.
Lyra sat on the padded bench, her fingers nervously twisting the edge of her sleeve. Zane was beside her, his phone off for once, his attention fully on her. It was the first time they were doing something that actually felt… real.
"This doesn't mean anything is decided," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Zane nodded. "I know. I just want to be here."
When the doctor called her name, Zane stood too. She looked at him, surprised.
"I'm coming in," he said simply.
The room was dim, the screen glowing soft blue as the ultrasound began. The cold gel on her skin sent a shiver through her, but it was the heartbeat — that fast, flickering rhythm — that froze her completely.
"There," the doctor said with a smile. "You're about eleven weeks along. Everything looks good."
Lyra stared at the screen, eyes wide. That was her baby. Their baby.
She felt Zane's hand find hers — tentative at first, then firm.
"That's… real," he breathed, his voice barely steady.
Lyra couldn't speak. For the first time in weeks, she didn't feel afraid. She felt connected. Not just to the child growing inside her… but to Zane too.