The next morning, Alex lay sprawled across her bed, unwilling to move. It was one of those rare, peaceful days — no classes at the fashion house, no shift at the canteen. Just rest, chores, and a little peace.
"Alex! I know today's for relaxing, but don't forget we still have to do the laundry!" Clara's voice echoed from the kitchen.
"Yes, sis, I know," Alex called back, dragging herself upright. "But before chores, what are we eating this morning?" she asked, already heading toward the kitchen.
"Tom's on his way home," Clara replied, rinsing a bowl. "I'm thinking of making bean cakes and pap."
Alex opened the fridge, grabbed a cold bottle of water, and smiled. "Good idea," she said before heading outside to tackle the chores.
By the time she was done, the house gleamed with freshness. The air smelled of soap and lemon polish, while the newly washed clothes fluttered in the breeze, carrying the scent of clean fabric under the warm sun.
Honk! Honk!
"Alex, open the gate! Tom's back!" Clara called from inside.
"Yes, big sis!" Alex answered, jogging to the gate.
"Good afternoon, sir," she greeted with a bright smile as Tom stepped out of the car. She quickly took the bag from him — the one that always seemed to contain snacks and chocolates.
"Hey, Alex. How are you doing? How was your night?" Tom asked kindly.
"I'm fine, sir. Slept pretty well," she replied, smiling wider.
Tom chuckled and made his way into the house.
"Hubby, I missed you," Clara murmured as soon as he entered. She wrapped her arms around him tightly.
He immediately noticed the tremor in her voice — the same heaviness he had sensed over the phone earlier.
"What's wrong, baby?" Tom asked softly, holding her closer. Then he felt it — the dampness of her tears soaking through his shirt.
Alex, who had just set the shopping bags down, caught sight of the scene. Without a word, she quietly slipped away to her room.
"I knew big sis was trying not to break down in front of me," Alex muttered to herself as she settled into her space, seeking distraction in her assignments.
Back in the sitting room, Clara's voice trembled. "Tom… are you going to leave me?"
Tom's brows furrowed. "Of course not, sweetheart. Talk to me. What's wrong?"
Clara broke down completely. "I know I'm barren, Tom. But you know there's nothing wrong with me, right? We've done every test, drunk every herb, prayed, fasted… yet people still judge me — like it's my fault!"
Tom cupped her face gently. "Don't cry, love. We both know it's not your fault. Didn't we agree not to let this make us sad again?" he said softly.
He kissed her forehead. "Our days will get better, Clara. Even if there's no child, I still have you — and that's enough. I don't even want any child stealing my baby from me," he teased lightly, earning a faint smile from her.
She rested against his chest, listening to his heartbeat — steady, calm, and reassuring. Before long, she drifted to sleep, her tears finally drying.
Tom sighed and looked down at her. She probably didn't sleep peacefully last night… worrying again, he thought as he gently carried her to their bedroom.
After tucking her in, he tiptoed out, closing the door softly behind him. As Clara was a light sleeper.
"Alex!" he called out quietly. "Please serve me some food. I haven't eaten since morning."
"Yes, it looks like big sis already dished out your meal. I'll get it for you," Alex said, heading toward the kitchen.
"How would you like your water — chilled or room temperature?" she asked.
"Room temperature will do," Tom replied.
She served his food neatly before disappearing into her room, eager to continue her fashion school assignment.
Moments later, she stretched and sighed. "Oh! I just remembered — I promised Muiz I'd call him," she muttered.
She went to the sitting room to get Clara's phone from where it was charging. The sitting room was empty; Tom had probably gone back to the bedroom.
Alex smiled faintly, dialed Muiz's number, and went back into her room.
Ring… Ring… Ring…
"Hello? Please, who's this?" came a sleepy male voice.
"Um… hello! It's Alex. Were you sleeping? I hope I didn't disturb you," she asked nervously.
A rustle came from the other end, followed by the sound of someone jumping off the bed.
"Not at all," Muiz replied, his tone now awake. "I was just about to take a nap before your call came in."
"Oh, I just wanted to tell you that this is my sister's number. I couldn't call yesterday," Alex explained quickly.
"Alright, I'll save it now," Muiz said.
"Okay then… bye," she said softly.
"Yeah… bye, Alexandra," he replied, his voice holding something warm.
The line went dead with a toot-toot sound.
Alex dropped the phone and exhaled. "Well, that was awkward," she muttered, brushing a hand through her hair. "But… he sounded cute."
Meanwhile, miles away, Muiz stared at his ceiling in silence, Alex's voice still echoing in his mind. He smiled faintly before sleep pulled him back under — her soft tone lingering in his dreams.