The Neighbor

Chapter 60

Wanda wipes the last of her tears as she steps out of the room, her heart still racing with the overwhelming emotions of the past few moments. The joy, the relief, the sheer love she feels for you and the new life you've brought into the world it all swirls together, making her feel as if she's floating.

But there's one more piece to complete this perfect picture: Tommy and Billy.

As she makes her way down the hallway, her breath catches in her throat, the tears threatening to return. She spots her mother sitting in the waiting area, her arms wrapped around the boys, keeping them close as they wait. The moment Wanda's eyes meet her mother's, the older woman stands, a knowing, tearful smile on her lips.

Wanda quickens her pace, the sound of her heels clicking against the floor echoing in the quiet corridor. The boys, sensing their mother's approach, turn to look at her, their faces lighting up with anticipation and curiosity.

She can't hold back the tears as she kneels down in front of them, her hands trembling as she reaches out to pull them into a tight hug.

"Mommy!" they both exclaim, their voices filled with excitement.

Wanda sniffles, trying to steady her voice as she pulls back just enough to look into their eager eyes. "Are you ready to meet your sister?" she asks, her voice cracking with emotion.

Tommy and Billy's eyes widen in delight, and they nod enthusiastically. "We have a sister?" Tommy asks, his voice filled with wonder.

Wanda smiles through her tears, brushing a hand gently over each of their cheeks. "Yes, you do," she whispers, her heart swelling with pride and love. "She's waiting to meet you."

Her mother steps forward, her eyes misty with tears of her own. She places a gentle hand on Wanda's shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I'm so proud of you," she whispers, her voice trembling.

Wanda looks up at her mother, the love and support in her eyes almost too much to bear. She nods, blinking back tears as she stands, taking each of the boys hands in hers. "Let's go meet her," she says softly, her voice filled with warmth.

As they walk back toward the room, Wanda's heart pounds with a mixture of excitement and tenderness. The boys bounce with each step, their eagerness noticeable and Wanda can't help but smile through her tears. This moment, the one she's about to share with her sons, feels like the culmination of everything she's ever dreamed of.

When they reach the door, Wanda pauses, taking a deep breath to steady herself. She looks down at Tommy and Billy, their wide eyes shining with excitement, and her heart feels like it might burst with love. "Okay," she whispers, her voice trembling. "Here we go."

She pushes the door open gently, leading the boys inside. The room is quiet, the soft light casting a warm glow over the bed where you lay, still holding Isabella close to your chest. The boys freeze for a moment, their eyes locked on the tiny bundle in your arms.

Wanda feels her breath hitch as she watches their reactions, her emotions swirling as she guides them closer. "There she is," she whispers, her voice filled with awe. "That's your sister."

Tommy and Billy inch forward, their steps slow and deliberate as they approach the bed. You look up, your face soft and glowing with the afterglow of childbirth, a tired but radiant smile on your lips as you watch your sons. "Come meet her," you say gently, your voice full of warmth.

The boys finally reach the bed, their eyes wide as they peer down at their little sister. Isabella stirs slightly in your arms, her tiny fingers curling against your slightly bare chest, and Tommy gasps softly, a look of pure wonder on his face.