He gently placed her upon the bed and observed her silently.

Prior to giving birth, she weighed about 110 pounds, yet now she had dwindled to a mere 80 pounds. She had become nothing but skin and bones, her delicate visage evoking deep concern

Waylen tenderly caressed her face, assessing her temperature.

After a considerable duration, he removed the necklace from around her neck.

Adorning it was a ring he had bestowed upon her.

Only when she was ensconced in slumber could he delicately slide the diamond ring onto her ring finger

He and she had finally become a genuine couple

Waylen reclined, cradling her within his arms, and buried his face in the curve of her neck. In an instant, her neck was moistened...

He yearned to freeze time in this very moment.

Alexis was surviving.

He and Rena remained a devoted couple...

*

Rena slumbered for a full 24 hours.

She gradually opened her eyes. At first, her mind was a blank canvas but then she rose from the bed and hurried towards the glass window.

How was she?

When Rena beheld the other side, she was struck with astonishment.

The incubator room stood empty, all equipment removed, leaving only an abandoned quilt that once cradled Alexis...

The girl named Alexis had vanished.

As realization dawned upon Rena, tears streamed down her face. She pounded upon the glass door and called out for Alexis...

“Alexis... Alexis... Mommy is here. Alexis... Where have you gone?"

A warm body enfolded Rena's trembling form. Waylen held her tightly, pressing his lips against her hair, desperate to shield her from further anguish. In a hoarse voice, he informed her, “Alexis is no longer with us."

Rena stood frozen in disbelief.