Anna’s day was as ordinary as any other—stirring a pot of soup in a quiet kitchen and waiting for her husband David’s return. The scent of garlic and onions filled the air, but the silence weighed heavily on her heart. By seven-thirty, David was late again. She tried not to worry, telling herself he was just caught up at work, as usual.
But this evening would not be like all the rest. As Anna heard the garage door rumble open, she noticed a strange, high-pitched sound. She dried her hands, stepped into the hallway, and froze. There stood David, holding a crying infant wrapped in a gray blanket, his expression both terrified and determined.
“David?” she managed, disbelief edging her voice. “What’s happening? Whose baby is that?”
“I found him on our doorstep,” David said, shaken. “No note. Nothing.” He looked down at the crying child in his arms. “I couldn’t leave him out there in the cold.”
Anna approached, her heart pounding. Gently pulling back the blanket, she saw a tiny crescent-shaped birthmark on the baby’s hand. Her chest tightened—this distinctive mark appeared in her family line, including her estranged sister Lily, who had vanished months earlier.
“David,” Anna whispered, her voice trembling, “I think this might be Lily’s child.”
They had no way to confirm it immediately. Lily had left without explanation, and no one knew she’d been pregnant. Now, this little boy was here, alone and vulnerable. Confused and overwhelmed, Anna suggested calling the authorities. But David’s voice was steady as he pleaded, “He’s family. We can’t just send him away.”
Anna’s eyes filled with tears. They had always wanted a child, but had been told it was unlikely. Now, fate seemed to have placed this baby in their arms. After a painful moment of silence, Anna agreed. “If we keep him,” she said softly, “it’s forever.”
David met her gaze and nodded. They would raise the child as their own.
Thirteen years passed in what felt like a heartbeat. Ethan—named by Anna and David—grew into a confident, kind-hearted teenager who filled their home with laughter and the rhythmic thud of his basketball against the garage door. Life was full of love, late dinners, and happy chaos.
“Ethan!” Anna called one afternoon, “Don’t forget your lunchbox!”
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