Dr. Ellis looked around the room.
Friends.
Sara.
The former gossip group.
Everyone who had worried.
Everyone who had waited.
She smiled.
"I think everyone deserves an update."
The tablet screen lit up.
An ultrasound image appeared.
Dr. Ellis pointed gently.
"Look here."
Everyone leaned closer.
"The baby has entered a major growth phase."
She pointed again.
"See the arms?"
"The profile?"
"The spine?"
"The tiny fingers?"
The room became silent.
Absolute silence.
Awe.
Pure awe.
Dr. Ellis continued.
"This growth phase explains the pain."
"Her body was adjusting."
"The nosebleed was likely worsened by stress and exhaustion."
She smiled reassuringly.
"But both mother and baby are doing beautifully."
Everyone stared at the screen.
The miracle had a face now.
Tiny.
Incomplete.
Beautiful.
Real.
Sara wiped away tears.
Sam looked stunned.
Mei Lin smiled.
Even Oliver looked speechless.
For the first time...
the baby stopped being an idea.
The baby became a person.