The city lights stretched out like a sea of tiny stars under the dark night sky. They were gold and silver, sparkling far below through the big windows that went from floor to ceiling in our penthouse. The city was alive, but its sounds were soft and distant, like a quiet song playing far away. Inside the apartment, everything felt still and calm. It was like time had slowed down just for us in that moment.

I sat in the old rocking chair near the window, holding Elena carefully in my arms. She was fast asleep, so small and fragile in my hands. Even though she was tiny, she had...