I sat beside Antonio as he slept, my eyes tracing over him. It was hard to accept that someone so young was fighting to stay alive.
I heard the door creak open and knew it was Bruno. The hairs on the back of my neck always stood up when he was near.
- Greta - I looked up at him - your results came back fine. You’re fertile - he sat close to Antonio, his eyes filled with love and sorrow as he gazed at his brother.
- When will the procedure happen? - I crossed my arms, a quiet fear gnawing at me that I might not be a good enough mother.
- Tomorrow - he took Antonio’s hand, gently stroking it - the doctor said it’s your best day to conceive.
I nodded, unable to tear my eyes away from them. Bruno was suffering for his brother.
Slowly, Antonio’s eyes fluttered open. He looked at Bruno and managed a faint smile.
My heart clenched, knowing that soon they wouldn’t have much time left together.
- Bruno, I don’t want to see you sad - Antonio whispered.
- I’m sorry, Antonio - Bruno kissed the back of his hand - I try not to think about the future, but I can’t help it.
Antonio smiled weakly at him.
- Thanks to Greta, I’ll leave behind my child, and I know you’ll look after them just like you did for me when Dad passed away.
I lowered my gaze. When Mr. Fernando died, it was a devastating time for everyone, but Bruno became the rock for his mother and Antonio, keeping them from sinking into despair.
- Yes, I’ll care for your child as if they were my own - Bruno stood and kissed Antonio’s forehead - I need to make a few calls - he left the room.
- Would you like me to read to you, Antonio? - I picked up a book from his bedside table.
- Greta, I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you’ve agreed to carry my child - he took my hand, his eyes filled with sadness - I’m so sorry I won’t be there for every stage of our child’s life.
I pressed my fingers to his lips.
- You’ll always be with us. I’ll tell them all about you, Antonio. You’ll be a part of our child’s life, whether it’s a boy or a girl.
- I’ll fight to meet them, to hold them in my arms - I squeezed his hand, hoping with all my heart that Antonio would get to meet his child.
Days passed, and I spent more time with Antonio. Deep down, I felt a pang of guilt. After my parents died, I shut myself off from everyone, including them. I drowned in my grief and now regretted all the time I’d lost.
Bruno and Clarissa tried to stay strong, but when Antonio wasn’t around, their sadness was unmistakable.
We were in the doctor’s office, waiting for the pregnancy test results. Bruno had come with me. When we left the house, Antonio was visibly anxious. Time was running out for him, and we were all hoping for good news.
We saw the doctor approach, results in hand.
I reached for Bruno’s hand. This was a pivotal moment for Antonio.
The gynecologist put on his glasses and pulled out the results.
He smiled at me.
- Congratulations, Greta. The insemination was successful. You’re pregnant.
Joy flooded through me. I was going to make Antonio’s dream come true—he was going to be a father.
- Thank you, doctor - I shook his hand.
Bruno stood and pulled me into a tight embrace. I closed my eyes, feeling his warmth. It was the first time we’d hugged, and his arms felt like a safe haven.
- I promise I’ll take care of you and the baby, always - he pulled back and ruffled my hair.
- Antonio’s waiting for us - I murmured.
He nodded and took my hand. For a fleeting moment, I let myself imagine that Bruno might feel the same way I did.
The drive back home was quiet. I felt a surge of excitement—I was going to be a mother. I was carrying my child inside me.
Bruno opened the car door for me and helped me out, draping an arm over my shoulders as we walked in silence.
We reached Antonio’s room and noticed the door to his terrace was open. I headed out there and found him sitting, gazing at the vibrant garden filled with all kinds of flowers. Antonio looked exhausted, running a hand over his now-bald head.
- Antonio - he lifted his head, his eyes filled with anxious anticipation. I took his hand and knelt to meet his gaze - we’re going to be parents.
Antonio let go of my hand and covered his face with both hands, sobbing quietly. Bruno stepped forward and embraced him. I stood still, my heart aching as I listened to his cries.
- Thank you, Greta - he said, pulling away from Bruno and drawing me into a hug - you’ve made my dream come true. I’m so sorry I won’t be there to see our child grow up - his tears kept falling.
- Thank you, Antonio, for sharing this dream with me. You’ve given me a child I already love, even without meeting them.
- Brother, promise me you’ll always look after Greta and my child -
Bruno glanced at me for a moment before stepping closer to Antonio.
- I’ll take care of Greta and your child as if they were my own.