Six

I found a perfect opportunity to be alone with Ziah when I caught him on the terrace, staring at the sky and lost in his thoughts.

Since he decided to be unnecessarily rude and distant towards me, this was a chance for us to talk about our child's future. Although I was nervous, I mustered up the courage to approach him.

I hadn't even taken several steps closer when Ziah turned around, and our gazes met. Instead of becoming angry or defensive, I noticed that his chin dipped down, and he looked away. Was that guilt I was seeing?

He remained quiet for a while, then asked gruffly, "What are you doing awake at this time?"

I stared at the sky, loving the splendor and the stars, knowing that my mom was watching me from heaven. Thinking about it was sad because I knew wherever she was, she would not be proud of me and the decisions I had made.

"I couldn't sleep," I explained to him. "I usually feel very uncomfortable around midnight, but if I work for a bit, I'll feel better and then go