Morning sickness! That is what Kayla had called it when her pregnancysymptoms made her feel ill. I remember it drove Drovo into near madness that he could not fix it for her. If he could take on all of her symptoms he would have. I’m fairly certain he would have carried the baby himself if that had been an option.
But wait. If Fatima was experiencing morning sickness that could only mean one thing.
“You are with child.” My statement came out in a jagged tone as I tried to push my voice through the flood of emotions I was feeling.
I imagined Fatima holding a small child as they sat across the table from me. I was bringing them food, like a good mate and father should. We were a family, and a happy one at that.
It was everything I’d ever wanted. I’d give anything to be the rock that Fatima leaned on. I wanted to be the one she went to for comfort and joy. I wanted to raise the child in her belly as my own. I wanted us to be a family and for her to never have to worry about anything ever again.
“Uh, yep,” her voice suddenly went very soft and shy.
I realized that although this would be a dream come true for me, this baby might not be something Fatima wanted.
“My mother used to say a child was like the horizon,” I began. “Some people see a sunrise, a new life, and new opportunities, while others see a sunset and the ending to an old life they’d rather not let go of.”
I looked at the hand she had rested on her still flat belly and asked, “When you look at the horizon, what do you see?”
Fatima seemed pleasantly surprised by my words and a small smile drew across her face.
“I see a sunrise. It is a challenging one, but I welcome it.”
“Congratulations then,” I smiled in returned. “This is a joyous occasion.”
“Is it?” she searched my face.“I thought you might be... never mind.”
She brushed her comment aside, but I was curious what she thought I might think of her pregnancy.
“I’m pretty tired,” Fatima continued. “I think I’ll head home.”
She stepped around me and continued on down the path.
“I’ll walk with you,” I commented as I matched her slower pace.
“Thanks,” she smiled up at me. “I appreciate that.”
We walked slowly down the path toward the big cabin she and the other unmated human females lived in.
“Was your hunting trip successful?” she asked.
“Yes, I felled many beasts,” I replied.
“You were gone for a long time.” There was a hint of sadness in her voice. Had she missed me?
“It was necessary,” I lied. “The winter can be a difficult time to find any animals to hunt.”
“Will your next hunting trip be as long as the last one?”
“No,” I shook my head. “I do not plan on leaving anytime soon.”
Now that I knew Fatima was with child, I would stay in the valley and make sure she was being well taken care of.
“That’s good to hear,” Fatima gave me another one of her small smiles. She did not like to show a lot of emotion on her face, so I was overjoyed to receive any signs of happiness she sent my way.
We arrived at her cabin, and she opened the wooden door.
“I’m glad your back,” she added and I thought my heart might burst from happiness.
“I’m glad to be back,” I replied with a smile of my own. “If you ever need anything, you come to me. Do not hesitate to seek me out, Fatima.”
