As he spoke, a realization dawned on me, piecing together fragments of conversations and subtle observations from the past weeks. Jessica had been secretive, more so than usual, and there were hushed discussions with David that stopped whenever others approached.

“Jessica is pregnant,” Robert revealed, his voice a mixture of concern and understanding.

The words hung in the air between us, and I felt a myriad of emotions surge through me—surprise, confusion, but most of all, happiness. “That’s wonderful news!” I exclaimed, the pieces finally falling into place.