Amber
I was beyond exhausted.
The car ride home from the hospital had been quiet, save for Evalie’s soft breaths as she slept in her carrier beside me. Ichika had insisted that I rest, but how could I? I was bringing my baby home—my baby. The realization still hadn’t fully sunk in.
Ken pulled into the driveway, and Ichika turned to me with a smile. “Ready?”
I wasn’t.
But I nodded anyway.
The moment we stepped inside, the warmth of the house wrapped around me like a familiar embrace. Ken carried the hospital bags while Ichika carefully lifted Evalie in her arms, swaying gently. “Welcome home, little one,” she murmured.
I followed them inside, my steps slow, my body aching. The labor had drained me. Every part of me still hurt—my stomach felt like it had been wrung out, my muscles ach
