Aliyah’s POV
Some mornings, she’d wake up earlier than me and prepare breakfast before heading out to the small grocery store nearby. When I tried to join her, she’d scold me like a child. “Sit down, Lia. You look like you’re about to drop that baby right here in the kitchen.”
We’d laugh about it, but deep down, I could see the worry in her eyes. She’d grown protective of me, more than I ever expected.
As my belly grew rounder, even the smallest things became harder. Bending, walking too long, even sleeping through the night. My back ached, and the kicks were stronger now, like my baby was impatient to see the world.
One afternoon, I sat on the couch folding tiny onesies while Tracy was in the kitchen humming softly to herself. She stopped suddenly, leaning against the counter and pr
