The day had finally arrived. After months of dating, of coffees drunk in a hurry and kisses exchanged on your balcony, you were about to visit Ellie's house. It was strange to think about it, months of dating and you had never set foot in her space. Ellie always preferred to come to you, always made up an excuse, always smiled and changed the subject.

But that morning, she had sent a short, direct message.

"Come here today. There's something I need to show you."

You knocked on the door with your heart in your throat. It wasn't fear on her part, it never was. But there was something about that invitation that sounded different, serious.

The door opened slowly, revealing Ellie in a baggy sweatshirt and tired eyes. But her smile when she saw you was the same as always: a mix of relief and affection that always made you feel at home.

"Hey." Ellie said, pulling you inside and leaving a soft, quick peck on your lips. "Come in, love."

You smiled at her and looked around. As soon as you started to analyze, you felt the difference. There was a soft atmosphere, hovering in the room. On the floor, a colorful rug with rubber toys. On the shelf, stuffed animals. A pink thermos on the table. You looked around, your heart beating a little faster.

She was behind you, nervous, scratching the back of her neck.

"I should have told you before. I know. I just..." she sighed. "I was scared."

You turned to her, trying to stay calm. "Scared of what?"

Ellie looked away and murmured: "That you would leave."

And then, as if waiting for her cue, a soft cry echoed from the room in the background. Ellie walked past you and followed the sound, without saying anything else. You followed her, a little out of breath.

She went into the room and came back a few seconds later with a little bundle in her arms. A baby. Small, chubby, with sleepy eyes and messy strands of auburn hair. She was wearing a pink onesie with teddy bears on it. She looked about 8 or 9 months old.

"This is Hannah. My daughter."

You stared at the scene: Ellie rocking the baby naturally, her gaze protective, her affection evident. "I had a thing, before I met you. The pregnancy was unexpected. Her mother... didn't want to stay. I stayed. And I did the best I could until now." she said, with an expression that clearly expected a bad reaction, waiting for you to say that it was too much for you.