My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

Lucius knew he couldn't keep visiting every day. It wasn't healthy-not for him, and not for the baby. He had to be strong, not for himself, but for her. For that beautiful baby girl who had inherited her mother's eyes and smile.

Little Amanda was now three months old and getting more demanding. Lucius knew he had to be more present. He couldn't keep relying on others. He had made a promise the day she was born-the day his heart was shattered. When she had gripped his finger with all her strength, she gave him a tiny spark of light on such a dark day.

[Three months earlier]

"Mr. Evans?" asked a nurse, holding the clothing he needed to wear.

"Yes?" both Maximus and Lucius answered at once.

"Are you the baby's father?" she asked.

"I am..." said Lucius, his voice breaking.

"Come with me. You'll need to put this on and sanitize your face thoroughly. We'll provide the necessary gear so you can see your daughter."

Lucius didn't waste a second. He followed the nurse and changed as fast as he could. As soon as he was ready, he was led into a room where his daughter was waiting.

The transparent acrylic bassinet looked massive next to the tiny baby inside, wearing only a diaper that was far too big, even though it was made for newborns.

The crib had the perfect temperature. She was so small, hooked up to several wires, and the sight terrified Lucius.

"Is something wrong with my daughter?" he asked, worried.

"She'll be monitored all day. She was born early-seven months is still okay, but we have to be cautious. Especially with everything that happened."

"Can I touch her?"

"Yes, but today it's best if you use these," said the nurse, handing him latex gloves. His face was mostly covered, but he still longed to feel her close.

As soon as he could, he slid his hands into the incubator and stroked his baby's tiny head. Her hair was black as night, and she had a lot of it. Her skin was pink, still covered in a bit of vernix from her time in the womb.

She slept peacefully, but the nurse added:

"She just fell asleep. She was restless earlier, but we finally got her calm."

P.n

Those words pierced his heart. He never imagined this scene. Never imagined going through this alone They had made plans. They had talked about what they'd do once the baby started showing signs she was on the way. Everything had looked fine. The doctors saw nored flags.

So what went wrong?

Lucius got lost in his thoughts as he gently caressed her tiny body-his daughter -when suddenly, that little soul grabbed his finger tightly, clinging to life with all her might.

Lucius couldn't hold back the tears anymore.

What if her mother didn't wake up? What would happen then? How could he raise a baby alone?

The nurse saw how broken he looked and walked over.

"You're the husband of the woman with preeclampsia, right?"

He barely managed a nod.

"I'm so sorry for what you're going through. But look at your daughter. She's half

of your wife. She's here for you, and you're here for her.

"You have to be strong. Try not to let these emotions get to her-she's still so sensitive. She can feel everything. And may not be a baby, but I like to think her mother is worried too. But you know what?

"She's probably trusting that you're here. That you're staying strong for her daughter. No matter what happens, you have to stay strong. I'm not saying don't cry.

"Cry. But not in front of your daughter... Our job as parents is to make sure our children are safe, that their world feels safe. So be strong. Show her you can do this."

Then the nurse walked away, giving him more time alone with his fears and pain.

She watched as he gazed at that tiny body that was his child. She couldn't hear what he was whispering, but it was clear he was talking to her.

"My little girl. my life... You'll never ་7 be alone. I'll always be here. You'll never have to be afraid. Just like your mother trusted me, I'll make sure you do too. You're strong. You're loved. You were

wanted-never forge Maket

I'll always

be there for you..." Lucius whispered, making himself a silent promise: to

stay strong and never show the agony that was tearing him apart inside. noveldrama