Running late for her abortion appointment, the woman realized she had left her documents in the car…

Paula enrolled him in a school near home, introduced him to neighborhood kids, took him to museums and theaters. Mike absorbed new impressions like a sponge. But most importantly, he no longer felt lonely.

He had a mom who loved him and understood him. Who didn’t think he was strange, but was proud of his peculiarities. Paula, he said one day at dinner, «Can I call you mom?» «Of course, son.»

«I’ll be happy.» «Mom,» Mike repeated, tasting the word. «Mom.»

How good it sounds. In December, another important event happened. Eugene proposed to Paula.

Not solemnly, not with a ring and flowers, but simply and sincerely, during one of their walks in the park. «Paula, I want to be with you.» «I want to raise Mike, raise your child.»

«I want us to be a family.» Paula thought long about his words. Over several months of acquaintance, Eugene had become a reliable friend and partner for her.

He understood her work, accepted her decisions, found common ground with Mike. But most importantly, she felt she could trust him. «Yes,» she said finally.

«I want to be with you.» They got married in January in a small ceremony with the closest people present. The boy was happy; he now had not only a mom but also a dad.

«Uncle Gene,» he asked after the ceremony, «now can I call you dad?» «Of course, Mike,» Eugene answered, hugging the boy. «I’ll be proud to be your dad.» Paula looked at them and understood that her life had finally found harmony.

The pain from Alex’s betrayal went into the past, giving way to a new feeling of calm, mature love. Soon the doctors reported the child’s gender. A boy, as Mike predicted.

Paula decided to name him Nicholas in honor of Mike’s grandpa. The boy was delighted with this decision. «Nick will be my little brother,» he told everyone he met.

«I’ll protect him and teach him everything I know.» «That’s wonderful, you’ll be the best big brother.» «Said Paula.»

«I’ll try,» Mike answered seriously. Soon Paula went on maternity leave. Her belly was already big, walking became difficult.

Eugene surrounded her with care, helped with everything, didn’t let her overexert. Mike also took care of her. He brought her tea, read books aloud.

And most importantly, he constantly talked to the unborn brother. Told him about the world he would soon see. «Nicky,» he said, putting his ear to mom’s belly, «soon you’ll be born.»

«You’ll have the best mom in the world and the best dad.» «And I’ll love you very much.» In early April, Mike suddenly became anxious.

He slept poorly, was distracted at school, often approached Paula and looked at her attentively. «What’s wrong, son?» she asked. «I see.»

«Something’s not right,» the boy said uncertainly. «I can’t understand what exactly.» «But I feel worry.

Related to me?» «I don’t know.» «Maybe.» «Mom, be careful.»

Paula didn’t attach much importance to his words. The term was already long—36 weeks, but it was still early for birth. Maybe Mike just felt the approach of this event, but a few days later, his premonition came true.

Paula was home alone, Eugene at work. Mike at school, when she suddenly felt sharp pain in her abdomen. She called an ambulance and called Eugene…