Episode 48: The Beginning (Baby Beckett)

Mira and Lina are insufferable today.

They’re excited.

Which means they’re loud.

Which means I already regret agreeing to this meeting.

“You have to see him,” Mira insists.

“He’s adorable,” Lina adds.

“…I don’t like babies,” I reply flatly.

They ignore me.

Of course they do.

Then they place him in my arms.

I don’t move.

Small.

Fragile.

Warm.

“…This is Beckett,” Mira says softly.

He blinks.

Slowly.

Quietly.

Not crying.

Not loud.

Just… observing.

“…He’s not making noise,” I say.

“Exactly!” Lina beams. “Isn’t he perfect?”

I look down at him again.

He’s staring at me.

Not past me.

Not through me.

At me.

“…Interesting,” I murmur.

I adjust my hold slightly.

Careful. Precise.

He doesn’t fuss.

Doesn’t resist.

“…He’s calm,” I say.

Mira smiles. “He’s always like that.”

I hum softly.

“…I like him.”

They both freeze.

“…You what?” Lina asks.

“I like him,” I repeat.

I brush a finger lightly against his cheek.

He leans into it.

…That’s new.

Something settles in my chest.

Quiet. Firm.

“…He’ll need proper guidance,” I say.

Mira laughs. “He’s a baby.”

“…Yes,” I reply. “…And already more tolerable than most adults.”

They laugh.

I don’t.

Because I’m serious.

I look down at him again.

Still watching me.

Still quiet.

“…You’ll do,” I murmur.

I don’t realize it yet.

Not fully.

But something has already been decided.

Not consciously.

Not logically.

But completely.

I will be part of his life.

Always.