It was a stormy night.
Heavy winds roared outside as lightning cracked through the sky. Inside the Stevenson mansion, everything was silent. All of them were fast asleep — until a sudden cry broke the stillness. Maylie jolted awake, her face pale, her hands gripping the bedsheet tightly. Pain surged through her body like waves.
Before she could utter another word, her head dropped back, nearly unconscious.
It was exactly midnight.
David, startled by the sound, woke up instantly. One look at Maylie's condition and panic struck him. He rushed down the hallway and banged on Miss Dora's door.
"Mother! Please wake up — it's Maylie… she's not okay!"
Miss Dora opened the door with a gasp and followed him immediately. Upon seeing her daughter-in-law's state, she turned to David with urgency in her eyes.
"Go. Go get the doctor now! Don't waste a second!" she ordered, already moving to Maylie's side.
David didn't hesitate — he dashed out into the rain, his heart thudding louder than the thunder.
Maylie cried in agony, clenching the bedsheets. "It hurts, David! It hurts so bad… I can't bear this pain anymore! Do something — or I swear, I'm going to die!"
Miss Dora gently took her hand. "Oh, my dear… I know it's not easy, but try to calm down. David's gone to bring the doctor. Hold on, just a little longer."
Fifteen minutes later, David returned, soaking wet, accompanied by the doctor and medical staff. His face was filled with fear — but also hope.
He rushed to Maylie, kissed her forehead, and whispered, "Don't worry, my love. Everything is going to be alright. I promise."
The doctor stepped forward, stern and focused. "Sir, we need to begin immediately. She can't take this pain much longer. Please leave the room — we'll take care of her."
David hesitated but nodded. He stepped back, eyes locked on Maylie as the staff began their work.
Maylie's condition was critical. Given her past miscarriages, the doctor was deeply concerned. As David stepped out, he began pacing the hallway, drenched in anxiety. Miss Dora sat quietly, hands clasped in prayer. They could hear Maylie's cries through the closed door. Each cry stabbed David's chest. He leaned against the wall, his breath trembling.
Then suddenly — silence.
And a few moments later… the sound that changed everything.
A baby's first cry echoed through the mansion.
David froze. His heart stopped.
The door opened. A nurse stepped out, her face glowing.
"Mr. David… many congratulations. You've been blessed with a baby boy."
"A ba… baby? A baby boy?" David whispered, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Yes, sir. A beautiful, healthy baby boy."
David turned to his mother, and without a word, pulled her into his arms. The joy, the relief — it was overwhelming.
"What about Maylie? Is she… is she okay?" he asked, his voice shaking.
"She's absolutely fine," the nurse smiled. "Both mother and baby are doing very well. No need to worry."
Miss Dora wiped tears from her eyes and placed her hand over David's heart. "My baby… has been blessed with a baby. I can't even express how full my heart is right now."
Another nurse laughed playfully. "Sir, this calls for a celebration! When's the party?"
Miss Dora clapped her hands excitedly. "Oh, we're having a grand celebration! A real party — at the Stevenson mansion!"
She kissed David's forehead, full of pride and love.
Moments later, David asked if he could see Maylie. The nurse nodded. "You may go in, sir."
Without wasting a second, he entered the room.
There she was — Maylie, exhausted but glowing. Her face was peaceful, and next to her, in a tiny cot, was their baby boy.
David moved slowly toward the bed, his heart bursting with emotion. He sat beside her, gently took her hand, and kissed her forehead.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly. "How do you feel?"
"I'm okay now," she whispered, smiling weakly. "Have you seen our boy yet?"
"Not yet," he said, turning toward the cot. "May I?"
"Of course."
David leaned over and lifted the baby into his arms. For a moment, the whole world paused.
"He's perfect…" he murmured. "You've given me the most beautiful, priceless gift in the world."
"He's the symbol of our love," Maylie said, her eyes teary.
"Indeed," David whispered. "I love you more than ever."
He kissed her again, and they both smiled — the kind of smile that only comes after surviving the darkest storms.
Suddenly, Miss Dora walked in, grinning ear to ear. "I love you both, my pretty babies!"
Everyone laughed — even the baby started crying.
"Oh no!" David chuckled. "I think he's upset we didn't say 'I love you' to him!"
Maylie lifted him into her arms, and he instantly stopped crying.
"There you go, little one," she whispered.
"Has anyone thought of a name yet?" David asked, eyes still glued to his son.
"No, but I want Mom to choose one," Maylie said.
"Me?" Miss Dora's eyes widened. "You're asking me?"
"Yes, please," Maylie and David said together.
Miss Dora bent down and gently whispered into the baby's ear.
"Harry… Harry David Stevenson."
"What a beautiful name," David said, overwhelmed with joy.
"Indeed it is," Maylie smiled.
Miss Dora stood up and walked to the bed. "Maylie, my dear child, get some rest now. Take care of yourself and little Harry. If you need anything, just press the button beside you — I'll be here."
Then she turned to David. "You. Come with me — I need a word."
As they stepped out into the hallway, David asked, "Is everything okay, Mom?"
Miss Dora laughed softly. "Everything's perfect. I just wanted to share some ideas I have for Harry's celebration."
David chuckled. "Mom, how about we talk about it tomorrow? I'm really tired — and Maylie should be part of it too."
Miss Dora smiled. "Of course. You need rest. Good night, son."
"Good night, Mom."
David returned to his room quietly. Inside, Maylie and Harry were both fast asleep. He stood for a long moment, just watching them — a peaceful smile spread across his face.
This… this was the most beautiful night of his life.
Without disturbing them, he lay down on the nearby sofa, and slowly drifted off into a deep, content sleep.