She fixed her eyes on him, letting the silence fill the void.

The night laid its cool touch on Leonel's skin, his face a ghostly shade. “Please. I'm begging you to let those memories go."

But Alexis felt the weight of them, immovable.

She ended the call, drew the curtain close, and turned away from his pleas.

The gifts, a tower of attempted apologies, she cornered them away. If by morning's light he hadn't reclaimed them, they'd be discarded, just like the remnants of their past. Restlessness took Alexis in its grip as night deepened. She paced, hands cradling the life within her, seeking comfort in the movement.

A myriad of thoughts about the coming day swirled in her mind, but a sense of something lacking nagged at her.

Her gaze settled on the small, glowing object, a beacon in the velvety shroud of night. Leonel, a shadow among shadows, stood alone.

A quiet birthday wish floated up from him. "Happy birthday, Alexis."

Their shared birthdays were few, their partings many. Yet, he held onto the tradition of acknowledging her day, regardless of their estrangement.

Dawn barely broke when Alexis rose, a day of appointments ahead, starting with a visit to her doctor.

On her way out, her eyes brushed over the abandoned gifts.

She paused, and then tasked the receptionist with their return to Leonel, scribbling down his number.

As the receptionist gathered the items, she mused silently on their cost. Such extravagance seemed an unnecessary extravagance.

As Alexis settled into the car, she dialed her father. "Dad, I'm off for a prenatal check-up," she announced into the phone.

Waylen's surprise at her solo departure was palpable even through the phone.

Her assistant was her usual companion, easing the burden of the day.

The check-up went smoothly, and the doctor, a friendly face to the Fowlers, presented Alexis with an ultrasound image.

The vibrant hues painted a picture of health.

“She's beautiful," the doctor beamed, relief washing over her. She had harbored fears that Alexis might struggle with her feelings towards the baby, fears now unfounded.

Alexis absorbed the image of her daughter, a quiet joy blooming as she watched.