Future Me

A New Beginning

It has been five years since Aaron and I got married and the world around me had finally quieted down. Aaron and I had found solace in a small cottage on the outskirts of Sector 45, far away from the chaos and destruction that once consumed our lives.

As I sit on the porch, my hand resting protectively on my swollen belly, I feel a sense of peace wash over me. Eight months pregnant with our first child, a girl we had decided to name Emmaline Leila Warner, I couldn't be happier. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the horizon as Aaron walked up to me, his eyes filled with love and excitement.

"How are you feeling, love?" he asked, kneeling down beside me and placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.

"I'm feeling great," I replied with a smile. "Just a bit tired."

Aaron chuckled, his hand rubbing soothing circles on my back. "Well, you've been working hard taking care of our little one. You deserve a break."

Just then, Kenji and Nazeera walked up the path, their hands intertwined. Kenji had a proud grin on his face, his arm protectively around Nazeera's shoulders. They had finally tied the knot a year ago, much to the delight of their friends.

"Hey lovebirds," Kenji called out, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "How's the soon-to-be parents doing?"

Aaron and I exchanged amused glances before he replied. "We're doing great, thanks for asking. How about you two? How's married life treating you?"

Nazeera beamed, her eyes shining with happiness. "It's been amazing. We couldn't be happier."

Just then, a young boy with curly black hair and bright hazel eyes ran up to us, a wide grin on his face. Tarian, Kenji and Nazeera's 5-year-old son, who had inherited his father's charm and his mother's intelligence.

"Hey Aunt J, Uncle Aaron!" Tarian exclaimed, hugging us both tightly. "Guess what? I caught a butterfly today!"

I laughed, ruffling his hair affectionately. "That's wonderful, Tarian. I'm sure the butterfly loved your company."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the peaceful scene before us, I couldn't help but feel a sense of overwhelming joy and contentment.

Surrounded by the people I loved most in the world, and soon, we would welcome a new member into our family.

Life was good, and as I gazed at the setting sun, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together, as a family.