"On 16th January 2025, an unusual soul was brought into this world."
That day, everything felt a little off. The weather was unusually eerie, a sudden storm rolled in out of season. Animals were acting strange—a bird crashed into the window, a cat hissed at nothing, and dogs were howling like a chorus of omens.
"This day feels... off. The weather's usually clear this time of year," Rick muttered, eyes fixed on the window.
"Rick, you're worrying over nothing. You always do," Shalit said from behind, resting a hand on her swollen belly.
—Hisssss—
A sharp hiss cut through the air.
Rick spun around, hand on his chest, scanning the room. "AAAAH! Why is there a cat in the flat?! I nearly had a heart attack!"
—BOOM!— A loud thunderclap shook the sky.
"Great. Just great. Now there's a storm and—CRACK!—Perfect! The power's out. What's next?!"
"Riiiiiccc…"
—thud—
He turned just in time to see Shalit collapse.
"Well, I was right. She fainted." He sighed. "Let's rush to the hospital."
—Rick lifts Shalit effortlessly—
He shot her a smug glance. "See? This is exactly why buying a flat on the ground floor near the city hospital was brilliant. While you were busy carrying our baby, I was busy planning for moments like these. You always say I worry over nothing—but guess what? Worrying is why I'm prepared!"
—click— Car door opens.
"It's funny, seeing a loving woman like you fall for a guy like me."
—VROOM— Engine roars.
"And try to stay awake until we get to the hospital."
They hit a major roadblock—a construction site blocked the only route to the hospital.
"Of course, today of all days." Rick groaned, slamming his hands on the steering wheel. "You'd think the universe had it out for us. Damn you, universe!"
They still made it in record time. Rick skidded the car to a stop, flung open the door, and bolted toward the entrance.
"We're here! I saved the day! We'll never speak of this again."
"Someone, please! My wife's fainted, we need help—NOW!"
He stormed into the ER, nearly colliding with a nurse.
"Sir, sir! Please, stay calm. We'll get her to a bed right away," the nurse said, startled but composed.
She signaled another staff member to help Rick gently transfer Shalit onto a gurney.
Rick, panicking: "What's happening? Is she going to be okay? Can you make sure the baby doesn't—you know, go poof?"
"Sir, we've got everything under control. Please, just wait here."
The nurse stepped away just as the doctor approached.
Rick looked him dead in the eye. "Alright, Doc, you've got this. Just make sure my wife doesn't, like, break or something, okay?"
"It's just a delivery," the doctor said coolly. "Nothing's going to happen. Relax."
He disappeared into the ER.
—Aroo! Aroo!—
The sound of dogs howling outside sent a chill down Rick's spine.
Moments passed. The doctor returned, calm but serious.
"Is everything good?" Rick asked, breath held tight.
The doctor smiled. "Congratulations! It's a healthy boy."
"Thank god—and thank you—"
"It's my duty," he replied, nodding.
"Can I go in now?" Rick asked eagerly.
"Not yet. Wait until the nurse finishes cleanup."
Rick slumped back, thoughts spiraling.
Why the heck are dogs howling at the moon? Is it a full moon or something? Wait—I'm an idiot. It's raining. No moon tonight. Why are they howling? Whatever. What's next? Something more cursed?
—Balm!—
Glass shattered. A bird smashed into the window.
"What is this, a horror movie?!" Rick shouted, hands in the air.
The nurse came running. "Is everything okay, sir?"
"I'm fine, but that poor thing's not."
"Hospital staff will handle it. By the way, you can go in now. After a while, we'll move your wife to the Mother-Baby Unit."
"Okay."
Rick walked slowly to the door. His heart thumped. The air felt thick, like the moment was holding its breath. The soft beep of machines and nurses' quiet footsteps created a rhythm—steady, surreal.
The scent of antiseptic mixed with faint baby lotion. Comforting. Weird. Real.
He spotted her.
Shalit lay in the hospital bed, pale but breathing. Beside her, a small bundle swaddled tight. One tiny hand peeked out, fingers curling like they were trying to hold the universe.
"Is this real? Is it really happening?"
He approached slowly, resting a hand on hers. Cool. Grounding. He watched her chest rise and fall, peace washing over him like a tide. That tiny bundle? His child. His world.
A nurse entered, breaking the stillness. "Sir, could you please step outside? We need to do a few checkups. Afterward, we'll move her to the Mother-Baby Unit."
Rick, eyes still on the baby: "Can I… can I touch him?"
"Not yet, sir," she said kindly. "Only your wife can hold him for now. Once the checks are done, you'll get your turn."
He froze. His hand hovered, so close.
"…Right. I'll wait."
Shalit stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, landing on the nurse. A tired smile tugged at her lips.
"Can I hold my baby?" she whispered.
"Yes, of course," the nurse said gently, passing her the child.
Shalit stared at his face. Then at Rick. Then back to the baby. Her gaze bounced between them like it was processing the emotional math.
"I carried you for nine months. I was in labor for fifteen hours. I haven't slept in six months… and now you come out looking like your stupid dad."
"Aww, he looks like me!"
"Don't worry, sir. It's just the anesthesia," the nurse said, barely hiding her chuckle.
"I know. He's cute just like me."
She smiled and turned to leave, her heart warmed.
He's simply overjoyed, she thought, walking out.
"You know, honey," Rick said, "a bird crashed into the window a few minutes ago—"
"Please," Shalit interrupted, "let's not talk about sad things right now. This is a moment of joy. Focus on something happy… like the baby's name."
Rick grinned. "How about Tobey?"
Shalit raised a brow. "As expected from the baby's father. Always thinking ahead. But tell me—did you even have a name ready if he was a girl?"
"Of course! What did you expect from me?"
"Nothing less."
Narrator: "Looking at Tobey's tiny face, we had no idea what kind of trouble he'd bring into our lives—or how important he'd become."
Rick (thinking):I thought naming him was the hardest part. I was wrong. So, so wrong.
And as we smiled—clueless, hopeful—the universe just sat there… sharpening its knife.
—A few years later—