Rafael's eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim morning light filtering through the curtains. He turned his head and found Marissa staring at their daughter's face.
Even in his half-sleep state, he could detect longing in her eyes. His eyes darted to Aniya, who lay curled up between them. Her soft breathing was quite audible in the room.
"You're awake," he murmured, keeping his voice low, "Did you even sleep last night?"
Marissa didn't move her eyes away from her face, "I did sleep but kept waking up to check on her," Rafael couldn't blame her. Not when he also kept doing the same throughout the night.
"She is so beautiful," He heard Marissa's voice and brushed a stray curl from Aniya's forehead.
He sighed when he felt a bittersweet ache in his chest, "I still can't believe that she is here."
They both lay there quietly, not willing to move or make a sound.
"I should make breakfast," Rafael finally said, but did not attempt to leave his bed.
