“I promise,” I murmured, tears welling in my eyes. It felt surreal, hearing his voice again, full of love and concern, when I had resigned myself to a future without it. The years of missing him, of longing for one more conversation, rushed back with brutal force. Yet, the fear outweighed the joy of this impossible reunion.

The old woman was still standing beside me, watching with a knowing gaze that seemed to pierce into the depths of my soul. “Thank you,” I said, my voice shaking as I ended the call.

She gave a small nod. “Stay here with your baby. I’ll keep watch.”