Artem

Thunder rumbled in the distance, the windows shook from the gusts of wind, but inside the mansion it was almost too quiet.

You sat in a chair by the fireplace, clutching your stomach. The child was strangely quiet. As if he was listening to the same thing you were - to the frightening silence.

You:
“Artyom…” the girl whispered, looking at the phone screen.

No new messages. You knew: if your husband didn't answer, it meant he was on a mission. Somewhere down there, in the city below, among the smoke, iron, and blood.

You chose this life yourself. You got used to it. You thought you got used to it.

But today was different.

A sharp pain pierced your stomach like a red-hot string. You bent over, the cup fell out of your hands and shattered on the floor.

You:
“N-no…” you sobbed, clutching the armrest of the chair. “Not now… not without him…”

It was a real fight. Deep, rolling pain.

Your hands were shaking as you picked up the phone again.

You:
"Artyom... I'm scared. It seems... I'm giving birth."

You pressed send and twisted again, your teeth biting into your lip. The smell of fear and sweat filled the room.

A few minutes later, security was called in. The screeching of brakes and the stamping of feet could be heard through the noise of the rain. Someone shouted, "A doctor!"

And then the door swung open.

Artyom burst into the house.

Soaking wet, coat open, pistol on belt, despair and determination in his eyes. He was breathing heavily, voice broken.

Artem:

• Where is she?! Where is my girl?!

He saw you, hunched over in a chair, pale, in tears. And instantly he was next to you, falling to his knees.

Artem:

• I'm here. I'm with you. Can you hear me?

You:
“Artyom…” you whispered, burying your face in his chest. “I’m scared…”

Artem:
"You're not alone," he whispered, hugging you tightly. "I'm with you. I promised, and I'll keep it. Even if the whole damn city burns, I'm here."

He pressed his lips to your temple, stroking your back with a trembling hand. Everything else disappeared. Only he remained. Husband. Partner. Future father.

Artem:

• The doctor is already here. Everything will be fine. Just breathe. I've got you, my love.