Our Journey Is Not For The Weak

Chapter 1

Mia's POV.

A New Beginning.

The soft beeping of the hospital monitors echoed through the postpartum suite as the first rays of morning sunlight slipped through the curtains.

Everything felt...different.

Peaceful.

For the first time in nine long months, Mia Carter wasn't carrying her baby inside of her anymore.

She was finally here.

Nestled safely in the clear hospital bassinet beside the bed was their beautiful daughter, Amara Skye Carter. Wrapped in a blush-pink swaddle with a matching knit cap, she slept peacefully, making tiny cooing sounds every now and then.

I couldn't stop staring at her.

"She's really ours," I whispered, tears filling my eyes.

Standing beside the bassinet was my husband, Jaylen Carter, equally mesmerized.

He gently reached over and rubbed Amara's tiny hand with his finger.

"I still can't believe we made somebody this perfect."

I laughed softly.

"You definitely gave her your nose."

"And she got your whole face."

They both smiled before Jaylen leaned down and kissed his wife's forehead.

"You did it, baby."

I closed my eyes.

The labor had been long.

Painful.

Nothing could have prepared me for contractions, pushing for hours, or hearing my daughter cry for the very first time.

But every second had been worth it.

Just then, there was a gentle knock.

A postpartum nurse entered with a warm smile.

"Good morning, Mama and Dad."

"Morning," Jaylen answered.

"I know today's a big milestone. Mom, are you feeling up to taking your first shower?"

I looked nervous.

"I think so...I'm just scared."

The nurse smiled knowingly.

"That's completely normal."

She explained that after giving birth, many mothers felt sore, weak, and even anxious about standing or moving around.

"We'll take it slow."

Jaylen immediately stood.

"I'll help her."

The nurse nodded with approval.

"I can tell she's in good hands."

After disconnecting a few monitors and making sure I was steady, Jaylen carefully wrapped one arm around my waist while I slowly swung my legs over the side of the bed.

"Oh..."

I winced.

"My body feels like I got hit by a truck."

Jaylen chuckled softly.

"I got you."

Every step toward the bathroom was slow and careful.

He never once let go of my hand.

Inside, warm steam slowly filled the room as Jaylen adjusted the water temperature.