Epilogue: New Beginnings.

Epilogue: New Beginnings.
One Year Later.

The soft morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, painting golden patches of warmth across the cozy room. Steven lay nestled in bed, waking slowly to the melodic sound of a baby cooing in the nursery. It was a comforting hum that filled the air with promise, lifting the remnants of the past's heavy shadows. He turned his head and caught sight of Dua, still beautiful despite the sleepless nights and the trials they had overcome.
She was humming a lullaby, her voice soothing and tender as she gently rocked their little one wrapped securely in her arms. The sight filled Steven with a profound sense of gratitude, a realization that life had gifted them a second chance. Just months ago, they'd woken from a nightmare, and now, they had created something beautiful—a new life that embodied hope and resilience. 
Dua looked up, catching Steven's gaze, and a radiant smile blossomed on her lips. “He’s awake!” she exclaimed softly, eyes sparkling like the morning sun. 
Steven chuckled, the sound rich with warmth. “I guess he took after his mother—always making sure I’m punctual.” 
Dua rolled her eyes playfully but her tender expression remained. “Your punctuality may have been questionable, but not your charm, Mr. Steven Levi.” 
Steven pushed himself up into a sitting position slowly but carefully, aware of the small scars from his recent encounters with life and death. Every pain, every ache, was a reminder of how far they had come. “Let me hold him,” he said with an eagerness that resonated in every word. 
As if sensing its father’s presence, the baby stirred and blinked big, curious eyes, framed by a halo of soft, dark curls. Dua handed him over carefully, her heart swelling with pride as she watched her husband cradling their son against his chest. The moment felt monumental; it was a declaration of their new reality—a promise that they were stronger together.
“What’s his name again?” Steven chuckled, glancing up at Dua with a playful smirk, trying to recall the hours they’d spent deliberating on the perfect name while planning for their family. 
“Azriel,” she replied softly. “It means ‘help of God,’ and he certainly feels like a blessing.” 
Taking a moment to absorb the weight of the name and the essence of new fatherhood, Steven’s heart swelled with  joy and responsibility. He looked down at Azriel, and it felt as if the world had narrowed down to this single moment—their connection unbreakable. “Azriel,” he murmured, testing the name on his lips. “It suits him perfectly.” 
Dua nestled beside him, her head resting softly against Steven’s shoulder as they both looked at their son, who cooed and wriggled in his father’s embrace. “Do you think he knows how much he’s loved already?” Dua wondered aloud, her voice unintentionally thick with emotion. 
“I think he feels it,” Steven replied, glancing at Dua with eyes full of promise. “We have so much love to give, and he’ll never doubt that. We’ll show him how to embrace life, just as we’ve learned to.” 
The past felt miles away, a distant echo of the challenges they had faced. They had wrestled with loss, endured the regrets, and emerged from the depths more united than ever. They were parents now, grounded and fortified by their journey. 
Dua stretched her hand and stroked Azriel’s soft, wispy curls, her touch gentle as if she was afraid to shatter the magic of the moment. “Every night, I look at him, and I promise to protect him from all the pain in the world.” 
Steven's expression turned serious as he nodded in agreement, his grip on Azriel firm yet tender. “And I promise to teach him to be brave, to stand tall, even when things get tough. He’ll know how to fight for what matters, to light up a room with hope.” 
Their eyes locked, and in that unspoken connection, they affirmed their unwavering commitment to each other and their child. They’d take on the world together, their love forming an unbreakable shield against whatever storms might come.
“Can you believe we’re here?” Dua whispered, her gaze drifting over the baby, the room, and then back to Steven. “After everything, we finally made it.” 
Steven chuckled, his voice a low rumble. “We sure did. And this is just the beginning, darling. New beginnings, remember?” 
With a renewed sense of purpose, they exchanged a smile that spoke of shared dreams and unshakeable belief, sealing their intentions for the journey ahead. 
A knock came on the door and Dua asked the person to come in. The door opened and Denise walked in, her baby bump suiting her perfectly and Shane following behind her. "Umm, sorry to interrupt you guys, but may I steal my sister for a while? We need to plan for my baby shower," Denise said.
Dua giggled, the sound brightening the already cheerful atmosphere. “Of course, you can!” She gently took back Azriel from Steven's arms. As Denise approached, the joy on her face was infectious, and it felt like an extension of the happiness in the room. 
Shane leaned against the door frame, arms crossed, with a playful smirk. “You’re lucky you got to steal her before I could. I was about to make my own claim on her for some serious ‘bro talk.’”
Dua rolled her eyes at Shane. “Oh please, you can save that for when I inevitably nag you about getting into shape for the baby shower. Right now, I need to think of games and themes!” 
“Just make sure it doesn’t include any ridiculous diaper-related contests, okay? Some of us have our dignity to uphold,” Shane replied with mock seriousness, earning a laugh from the trio. 
With Azriel nestled securely in her arms, Dua felt a little tug of reluctance to leave that cozy cocoon with Steven. But she loved the thought of being involved in Denise’s baby shower preparations. “Give me a moment,” she said, smiling down at her son as she handed him back to Steven. “I’ll be right back, little buddy.” She said, leaving the bed but Azriel's soft cry stopped her in her tracks.
"Looks like I'm not the only jealous guy here," Steven chuckled and they all laughed, the room filled with joy and happiness.