She often cried quietly at night so Daniel would not hear her. And Daniel, though broken inside as well, always pretended to be strong. He believed that one day God would hear them.
And after ten years of waiting, that day finally came.
The doctor stared at the ultrasound screen for a long time, then smiled. Maria was pregnant. But the miracle was not only one. On the screen, two tiny hearts were beating.
Twins.
That news changed their home. The empty room was finally filled with colors. Maria arranged tiny clothes in the closet, and Daniel assembled two cribs with his own hands. They had already chosen the girls’ names: Lia and Laura.
Every evening, Maria placed her hand on her belly and felt their movements. She believed that after ten years of pain, life had finally smiled at her.
But no one could imagine what kind of trial was waiting ahead.
