Chapter 112: Steps Beneath the Evening Sky
Pierre packed his stethoscope and heart monitor into his leather bag. He let out a long breath of relief. The tension in the room slowly evaporated, replaced by the sharp, lingering scent of medical alcohol.
"The heart rates for all three have returned to normal. Your blood pressure has also dropped, Madam," Pierre said. He looked at Agatha, who still lay weak on the bed.
"Thank you, Pierre," Agatha replied. Her voice was still thin. She stroked her stomach, which now felt calmer. The intense, twisting cramps from before had vanished.
Xavier did not release his grip on Agatha’s fingers. He kissed the back of his wife’s hand repeatedly. "I nearly lost my mind earlier."
"Do not overdo it, Xavier. You should actually start getting used to this," Pierre interrupted. He stood and put his white coat back on. "Agatha’s pregnancy has only just hit seven months. Problems like this will frequently arise if she only lies in bed."
Xavier frowned. "Do you mean she should work?"
"Of course not. But she needs to move more. Walk a little every evening. It will improve blood flow to those swollen feet and help the babies’ positions for labor later," Pierre explained.
"But it is very cold outside, Pierre," Melynda interjected, having stood in the corner of the room the entire time.
"Put a thick jacket on her. The back garden of this estate is well-sheltered from strong winds. Half an hour is enough," Pierre gave his final instructions before stepping out of the room.
An hour later, Xavier helped Agatha stand from the edge of the bed.
"Ugh," Agatha winced slightly. She leaned her entire body weight against Xavier’s arm.
"In pain again?" Xavier asked. He was ready to carry Agatha if necessary.
"No. Just heavy. It feels like I am carrying three large watermelons in my belly," Agatha answered. She tried to move her feet slowly.
Xavier took a very thick, cream-colored fur cloak. He draped it over Agatha’s shoulders and buttoned it up to her neck. "Come. We will take the side door so we do not have to descend too many stairs."
They walked through the long, silent corridor. The sound of Agatha’s house slippers scuffing against the marble floor was rhythmic. Scuff. Scuff. Xavier walked very slowly, matching his pace to Agatha’s limited steps.
When they reached the back garden, the reddish-orange light of the evening sun greeted them. The air felt fresh, though a lingering bite of cold remained. Xavier led Agatha toward a path surrounded by rosebushes that had yet to bloom.
"Do you feel better?" Xavier asked.
Agatha took a deep breath. "Much better than staring at the bedroom ceiling. My lungs feel clearer now."
"Forgive me for earlier, Agatha. I did not mean to ignore your request to save our children," Xavier murmured. His voice was thick with regret.
Agatha stopped walking. She looked into Xavier’s tired eyes. "I know you were afraid of losing me, Xavier. But they are a part of me. If I lose them, I will not be able to survive either."
Xavier looked down. He placed his palm over Agatha’s stomach. "I only want us all to be safe. I cannot imagine living in a house this size without you."
"We will get through it. Pierre is a wonderful doctor," Agatha said. She offered a small smile, trying to give her husband strength.
They resumed their walk. Agatha’s swollen feet felt a little lighter once they were moving. A few sparrows flew low over the shrubs, creating a busy chattering sound.
"Xavier, have you prepared names for them yet?" Agatha asked.
"Not all of them. I have only thought of one name for a boy," Xavier answered.
"Who?"
"Volskey. I want one of them to have this family’s surname as his first name. So that he always remembers where he came from," Xavier said.
"Volskey," Agatha murmured, nodding slowly. "Then what about the other two?"
"I want you to decide. I will agree with whatever you choose," Xavier said.
Agatha let out a small laugh. "Mmh. How about we look for names related to the stars? So they can always find their way home."
"That is a wonderful idea," Xavier replied. He wrapped a protective arm around Agatha’s waist.
Suddenly, Agatha stopped. She held her stomach with both hands.
"What is it? Another contraction?" Xavier asked, his tone panicked once again.
"No. They are very active," Agatha whispered. She took Xavier’s hand and placed it on the right side of her belly. "Feel this."
Xavier fell silent. A second later, he felt a small nudge from inside Agatha’s stomach against his palm. Thump.
"Was that a kick?" Xavier asked, his eyes widening.
"Yes. It seems the second baby is trying to find some space," Agatha answered.
Xavier knelt on the green grass, which was still slightly damp with dew. He pressed his ear against Agatha’s stomach. "Hello in there. It is Father. Do not be too naughty in there. Have pity on your mother."
Agatha stroked Xavier’s hair. "They missed your voice, Xavier. For the past few days, you have been too busy with company matters."
Xavier looked up. "I have to ensure you are safe, and for their future later."