The Man in My Dreams

EPILOGUE

EPILOGUE

Nine Months Later...

VAN ANTHONY

Time flies swiftly, and here we are, nine months have passed with my wife carrying our twins. Yes, twins. I'm in the kitchen, pouring some juice. My wife had requested it. She's currently in the living room, joyfully watching our wedding video. Not just TV shows or dramas, but the full video of our wedding. Her laughter echoes through the house, and I wonder if this is part of her pregnancy cravings.

"Wife, you're laughing too much. Enough." I say, returning with a glass of juice. I offer it to her, and she drinks it with a smile, her eyes glued to the screen. I'm content taking care of her, happy to see her so delighted.

"Look at your face. You're so ugly when you cry. My husband is so ugly." She laughs, watching me on the screen. She has seen this footage countless times, but she still finds joy in it. I'm baffled by her amusement, but I let it be. I remember crying at our wedding because I was overwhelmed with happiness seeing her walk down the aisle in that beautiful gown. She laughed at my tears, calling me ugly while I was moved by joy.

Suddenly, she complains of a sharp pain in her belly. Panic sets in as I call the doctors and nurses, who are stationed upstairs. Since my wife's ninth month began, I've ensured they're here daily.

"Van, it hurts so much. Your babies want to come out now." Zarianna cries, clutching my waist. We're still in the living room, surrounded by medical staff. The doctor instructs us that we should calm her pain before moving her to the prepared room. I soothe her by rubbing her back.

"You can do it, baby. We can do this." I reassure her, stroking her shoulders. Her breathing accelerates, and she pinches me in pain. I wish I could take away her suffering. If only I could endure it for her, I would. I lift her as the doctor directs us to the delivery room.

Hours later, Zarianna, still walking around the room to ease her discomfort, assisted by me. I endure many scratches, but they don't bother me.

"Mrs. Lhuriant, more. 1.2.3, push!" The female doctor commands. I hold Zarianna's hand tightly.

"Push, baby, we can do it." I encourage, supporting her through the labor. I witness her struggles, feeling helpless. My dream of a basketball team of children seems insignificant compared to her pain. I kiss her forehead, cheeks, and hands, trying to offer comfort. Tears stream down her face as she brings our children into the world. Our son is born first, followed by our daughter. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude to God for protecting both mother and children.

"Thank you for giving me beautiful angels, wife." I say tearfully, kissing her lips gently, knowing she's still recovering her strength. She smiles at me, weak but happy.

I hold our children, our son on the left and our daughter on the right. I am now a father, holding the results of our love.

Zarianna Yorris Rhalia Villamor-Lhuriant, protected by the man of her dreams, is now a mother. And I, Van Gian Anthony Lhuriant, her protector and the man of her dreams, is now a father.

THE END...