Barbara stood in front of the long mirror, examining her reflection. The postpartum belly wraps clung snugly around her midsection, a gentle reminder of the hard work her body had done over the past week. She had regained some confidence in her movements. However, each shift in posture still brought the subtle ache of healing muscles. Her hybrid body, stronger than most, had adapted to the strain of childbirth. Still, even she couldn't ignore the lingering reminders—bruises from the process, the slight stretch marks that now marred her skin like badges of honour.
She turned slightly to the side, watching as the faint marks left behind from her pregnancy caught the light. She paused, letting her breath out slowly, feeling a slight pang of pride and an odd twinge of vulnerability. She'd giv
