He moved closer.
"That's my child?"
"Yes."
Santiago stared through the transparent walls.
The baby was alive, but barely seemed strong enough to move. A nurse checked the monitors and adjusted one of the lines before quietly stepping away.
"Can I hold the baby?"
The specialist shook his head gently.
"Not yet. The baby is too unstable. We need to minimize handling while the treatment continues."
Santiago slowly nodded.
He placed one hand against the incubator.
For a long moment, he said nothing.
Then he leaned closer, his eyes fixed on the tiny face.
"Your mother wanted you."
His throat tightened.
"She was so afraid of losing you."
He swallowed, struggling to continue.
"She asked me to protect you."
The words seemed to catch painfully in his chest.
"I couldn't save her."
His hand remained against the incubator.
"But I'm here. I'm not leaving you."
