Outside the ward, I sat silently on the bench, exhaustion slowly settling into my bones.
Not long after, Maria arrived carrying breakfast and a few necessities.
"Good morning, sir," she greeted carefully.
I gave a slight nod.
Her gaze shifted nervously toward the hospital room before returning to me.
"How is Madam Alicia?" she asked hesitantly. "And… the baby?"
"They're both fine," I replied quietly. "There's nothing to worry about."
Maria visibly relaxed.
"You can go inside," I added. "Just make sure she eats something."
"Yes, sir."
Maria pushed open the ward door and entered.
She didn't close it completely.
From where I sat, I could see part of the room through the small gap.
Maria placed the breakfast containers carefully on the table beside the bed before sitting near Alicia.
Then She spoke softly to her.
A few quiet words were exchanged.
Then Maria opened the food containers, trying gently to persuade her.
