Every feature of his face, every curve of his lips, every curl of hair — it was as if a mirror of his own youth, his own childhood. The doctor’s heart pounded uncontrollably, and his hands trembled as he held the baby.

— What… what is this? — he whispered, unable to find the words.

The woman looked at him with eyes full of hope and fear. Her hands reached for the baby, but he stepped back. A thought tore through his mind, too terrifying to speak aloud: this is his child.

Just a moment ago, he had seen her at the door of the operating room, and now he realized that this was no coincidence. Seven years of separation, unspoken words, resentment — and suddenly, fate confronted him head-on.

— It’s… him… — she whispered, her voice trembling. — You… recognize him?

He couldn’t breathe. His heart felt like it stopped, then began beating with new intensity. Memories of their past flooded his mind: laughter by the lake, late-night conversations, promises that now seemed so naive. But reality was ruthless, demanding immediate action.

— You have to… tell her… — an inner voice whispered, but he couldn’t. He was a doctor. Professionalism demanded calm, yet emotions were breaking free, leaving no room for control.

He gently placed the baby on the cot, but his eyes never left him. There was something in the newborn’s gaze… something frightening and familiar at the same time. A chilling thought ran through his mind: this isn’t just a baby — this is a reflection of all his past, his mistakes, and missed opportunities.

She, as if reading his thoughts, quietly said:
— You… were afraid to see him, weren’t you?

He remained silent, because words could destroy everything. Then, in the silence of the operating room, the baby let out a small cry. He stepped closer, knelt down. And then, for the first time, he saw what sent him into true horror: the baby’s eyes.

The eyes… were too mature. A deep, almost human gaze, as if he understood everything happening in the world, as if he felt pain and betrayal. The doctor felt a chill run down his spine: this isn’t just a child’s gaze — it’s a gaze that sees his soul.

— How is this possible… — he whispered to himself, unable to hold back tears. — He… he looks like me… but… he’s too wise… too old… to be just a baby.

The woman placed her hand on his shoulder, but he flinched. He couldn’t touch her, couldn’t look at her. Everything inside him screamed that their lives would never be the same.

At that moment, he realized that the worst was yet to come. This child was not only his blood — he was a reminder of lost time, broken relationships, and all the secrets they had once kept from each other. And now fate had given him a chance to fix everything… or lose it forever.

The operating room was filled with a silence that pressed on the chest. It felt as if the whole world had stopped, watching this tiny being. The doctor took a deep breath, but the feeling of horror didn’t leave him. Never before had he felt so small and helpless in the face of life.

He looked at the woman, her face pale but determined. And then he understood: from now on, they were bound not just by the past or memories. Now, they were connected by the strongest and most inevitable force — new life, which demanded strength, courage, and truth from them.

But deep in his soul, he understood one thing: he would never forget this child’s gaze. A gaze that saw everything… and judged.