John’s expression softened for a moment, and Sarah saw a flicker of the man who had held her hand through hours of labor, who had beamed with pride at each of Tim’s tiny achievements. But then, just as quickly, the doubt returned, casting a shadow over his features.

“It’s not that simple, Sarah. You know how people can be. They plant these seeds of doubt, and now I just… I can’t ignore it anymore. I need to know for sure.”

The silence that followed was thick with tension, the chasm between them widening with each passing second. Sarah fought back tears, not willing to let her emotions take control. She knew she had to be rational, to think clearly, despite the ache in her heart.