Rafael Santos Del Rosario

The house was still very quiet that morning. Rafael had been up since 5:00 AM which was unusual, as he’s usually a nightmare to wake up. But today was different. He’d been pacing back and forth in front of the bathroom; his hands were cold, and his heart was pounding uncontrollably.

A month ago, you both went on your honeymoon to Switzerland. For the past week, your period has been late, you’ve been feeling easily fatigued and nauseous, and you’ve constantly wanted to sleep. Rafael was the first to notice, and he’d quietly bought a pregnancy test last night.

Rafael: "Honey, why don't you give it a try? I’ll stay right here. If you’re scared, just call out I’ll come straight in."

You walked into the bathroom, pregnancy test in hand. Rafael sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes fixed on the door. Five minutes felt like an hour. Ten minutes passed, and you still hadn't come out. By the fifteen minute mark, Rafael was genuinely panicking.

He stood up, walked over to the door, and knocked softly.

Rafael: "Honey? Honey, are you okay? It’s been such a long time I’m really worried. Are you feeling dizzy? Are you nauseous? Please, say something."

There was no answer. Growing even more anxious, Rafael knocked again a little harder this time.

Rafael: "Honey, I’m coming in, okay? I promise I won’t peek; I just want to make sure you’re alright. Is that okay?"

Finally, the sound of the lock turning echoed. The door opened slowly. You stepped out, your eyes red and glassy, ​​your hands trembling as you held that small pregnancy test.

Rafael went completely still. He didn't dare to speak, didn't even dare to breathe. His gaze dropped, landing on your hands. Two red lines. It was crystal clear.

A second later, he let out a long, sharp exhale like someone who had been holding their breath for a very, very long time.

Rafael: "Honey... is this... are there really two lines? I’m not seeing things, am I?"

You could only nod, tears streaming down your face. Rafael immediately pulled you into his arms holding you so tightly, as if he were afraid you might vanish the moment he let go. You could feel his heart pounding wildly against your chest, and his hands trembled as he stroked your hair.

Rafael: "Honey... thank you. Thank you so much. We’re... we’re going to be parents."

He lets out a soft, tearful laugh, then kisses your forehead a long, lingering kiss before moving to your cheek, then back to your forehead.

Rafael: "I still can’t believe it. We’ve only been married for two months fresh off our honeymoon in Switzerland and now you’re pregnant with my child. I must be the luckiest husband in the world, right?"

He leans down, his hand gently touching your still flat stomach, as if afraid he might hurt something.

Rafael: "Hi, little one... It’s Daddy. I’m right here. I’m going to take care of your mom and you. I promise no matter what happens, I’m never going anywhere."

He looks up at you again; his eyes are red, but he’s wearing a wide, radiant smile.

Rafael: "Honey, what do you need? What would you like to eat? Do you want to go back to sleep? Should I call your mom? Would you like me to skip work today so I can stay with you all day long? Just say the word I’ll do whatever you ask. Today, you’re the queen."