One morning, in mid-August, Ian found her with her hands clutching her round belly and her gaze lost in the void.

“What's the matter?" he asked, kneeling down beside her. Is something wrong? Would you like me to send for the doctor?”

In reply, Eden took his hand, placed it on her belly and smiled at him, his face beaming with joy.

“Can you feel it? It's moving.”

And under his hand, indeed, something gave a little shock.

Eden’s baby. Ivan’s son. An ordinary little miracle, welcomed with joy and gratitude by all the parents in the world.

He, on the other hand, felt on the verge of nausea.

He...