HORIZON 1.1

Part-23

The birth center, a single-story building located next to Paranormal HQ on the outskirts of the city, was occupied today.

Dressed casually yet presentable, Shiva hurried through the crowd to enter the birth center.

"Thank you for coming," Macc said, greeting Shiva with a formal handshake.

"The reception area seems crowded. Am I late?" Shiva asked as they made their way towards the waiting area.

"Our token number is 46, and they just called 23. We'll have to wait," Macc replied.

Shiva took a seat across from Macc, where Macc's wife was already waiting for them.

Macc's wife greeted Shiva with folded hands, and Shiva reciprocated the gesture. As Shiva observed Macc and his wife, he could see the nervousness in their expressions as they held onto each other.

This was no ordinary day for the parents, who were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their child in Zone. Parents were leaving the birth center with their new-borns, while some unfortunate ones had to wait for the next six months for the next synchronization season due to their child failing the mental exam.

Silently, Shiva observed the parents and their families, reminiscing about the day when his own son had synchronized to Zone and recalling the happy memories of the past.

In the midst of the crowd, a lady caught Shiva's attention. She looks like Maya. But why is she here? Shiva wondered. Before he could decide, the lady turned, and their eyes met.

"Captain," Shiva approached her.

"What are you doing here at the birth center?" Maya asked as Shiva came closer.

"I'm here with Macc," Shiva replied, gesturing in the direction.

Macc greeted Maya, but she stopped him from getting any closer.

Shiva had known Maya for a long time, and he could sense that she was trying to appear normal, hiding something. He asked, "Captain, you never mentioned that you were expecting a child."

"Definitely not during this synchronization season." Maya's voice trembled, revealing the grief she was trying to hold back. "My son failed the mental exam. This was his third attempt."

"Don't be disheartened. Most kids pass the mental exam after they turn 9. Your son will surely pass in the next season," Shiva tried to comfort her, although he knew it was easier said than done.

Who is your son's father? Shiva suppressed the thought, realizing it was not the right time.

"It is challenging to be a mother. You carry your child for a year in the womb, then wait for seven more years. And this feeling that you will hold your child for the first time on this day after 7 years, and then again you have to wait for the next synchronization season, is painful. It hurts a lot," Maya expressed, trying to hold back her tears, though her watery eyes betrayed her emotions.

"All parents experience this day. Children cannot enter Zone until their brains are fully developed," Shiva explained, yet another failed attempt at comforting Maya.

"Is this Macc's son's first synchronization season?" Maya inquired.

"Yes, and she is a girl," Shiva clarified.

"Macc seems very stressed," Maya observed.

"We all feel the pressure during our children's first synchronization season. We come here hoping our child will be successful in the mental exam, despite knowing the odds are slim," Shiva replied, glancing at Macc and his wife.