"Mama—"
The long-awaited, childlike voice made Anna drop to her knees in excitement. She steadied herself against the rocking chair, her eyes filled with anticipation, not daring to blink as she watched Baby open his eyes.
"Baby…"
On the rocking chair, Baby's eyes had regained their usual clarity. His dark, sparkling eyes seemed to smile, and the paper-white pallor of his lips was replaced by a rosy red. His small mouth opened, and his sweet voice called out for his mother once more.
"Mama."
"Yes! Mama's here, Mama's here, Mama's right here."
Anna sniffled, fighting the stinging in her nose, and gently hugged Baby's upper body. Feeling the warmth of his small frame, Anna could no longer hold back her tears. They dripped, PITTER-PATTER, onto the wicker chair.
"Mama, are you crying? Did Baby make you sad?"
