Léo wiped his face.
— I promised I’d protect him, he answered simply. He just needed me.

Élise kissed his hair.

— You’re our hero.

The infant stirred, let out another cry, as if in agreement.

The doctors continued their checks, speaking of “immediate skin-to-skin contact” or “unexpected stimulation.” But everyone knew the moment went beyond science. Sometimes, love accomplishes what numbers cannot explain.