Ezra stirred awake when Sabine suddenly left their bed in the middle of the night.

“Sabine?” he mumbled, voice thick with sleep.

She didn’t answer, rushing to the fresher instead. Concerned, Ezra checked the chrono—2:45 a.m.—and followed her, pulling on his shirt.

Outside the fresher, he winced at the sound of her retching. “Sabine? Are you okay?” he asked gently. When she didn’t respond, he waited patiently until she emerged, pale but composed.

“Hey,” she whispered.

“Hey,” he replied, studying her face. “Was it something you ate?”

“Probably just a stomach bug,” she said, forcing a smile.

Ezra wasn’t convinced but didn’t press further. He helped her back to bed, kissing her forehead. “I love you, my beautiful artist.”

Sabine nestled into his chest, comforted by his warmth.

The Revelation

Days passed, but Sabine’s nausea lingered. After another rough morning, she finally took a pregnancy test—hands trembling as she waited.

Positive.

A whirlwind of emotions hit her. She and Ezra had discussed children, but now? Was she ready? Would she be like her own distant mother?

Memories of Ezra playing with Jacen reassured her—his patience, his joy. He’d be a wonderful father. But could she be the mother their child deserved?

When Ezra returned home, she met him in the living room, heart pounding.

“I figured out what’s wrong,” she began, guiding his hand to her stomach. “How do you think Hera will like being called Nana?”

Ezra froze, then beamed, sweeping her into a hug. “We’re having a baby?!”

Sabine hesitated. “Are you… happy?”

“Thrilled!” He cupped her face, sensing her doubt. “You’ll be an amazing mother. I’ve seen you with Jacen—you’re nothing like your mom.”

Tears welled in her eyes as he kissed her gently. “We’ll learn together,” he promised.

She hugged him tightly, whispering, “I love you, Ez.”

“I love you too,” he murmured back, resting a hand on her abdomen—where their new journey began.