Chapter 3 - The Sanctuary of Secrets
The nursery was bathed in the soft glow of a single nightlight. Dr. Nathan and Nurse Claire had stepped into the adjacent medical pantry to mix yet another emergency saline solution, leaving the room momentarily still.
Hunter walked toward the wooden crib. Her heart hammered against her ribs like a trapped bird.
Baby Leo lay on his back, his skin looking dangerously translucent under the soft light. His tiny fists were curled against his chest, his mouth open in a soundless, desperate cry for food. He looked so small, so impossibly light.
Without thinking, driven by an instinct deeper than fear, Hunter reached into the crib.
Her hands were warm as she slipped them under the baby's tiny frame. She lifted him gently, supporting his delicate head, and pulled him close against her chest.
The baby whimpered, his tiny forehead resting against her neck.
Hunter sank into the large, ornate armchair beside the window. Her hands trembled as she adjusted her modest uniform, unbuttoning the front. She cupped the baby's head, whispering soft, unintelligible words of comfort, and brought him to her breast.
At first, Leo squirmed, confused and exhausted. He let out a faint, frustrated whimper.
Hunter’s tears spilled over, slipping down her cheeks and landing softly on the cream knitted fabric of his outfit. "Shh... it's okay, little one," she whispered, her voice cracking with pure emotion. "I've got you. I'm right here."
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Leo turned his head. His tiny nose brushed against her skin.
Then, with a sudden, instinctual gasp, he latched on.
