ONE SHOTS MARINA (ENGLISH)

17. Crying

P.O.V. MAYA DELUCA-BISHOP

I was lying in bed, still drowsy, trying to enjoy the last few minutes of peace before the day really began. Carina had gotten up early, as she had lately, and was in the bathroom.

I heard the water running as she moved around, the soft sound of the shower filling the silence of the room. Liam was still asleep in the next room, and I was looking forward to another peaceful day with our little family.

The sun streamed in through the half-open curtains, illuminating the bed with a soft, golden light. I stretched lazily, without much haste, allowing myself to relax in that rare moment of quiet.

Suddenly, a muffled sound came from the bathroom. A sound that made my heart race: the sound of crying.

At first, I thought I was imagining things, but when I paid closer attention, there was no doubt. Carina was crying.

The sound was soft, almost restrained, but I could recognize it. She was trying not to make a sound, but her emotions had somehow overflowed.

I got up immediately, the instinct to protect her always taking over. I opened the bathroom door slowly, trying not to scare her. The sight I found made my heart squeeze.

She was standing in front of the mirror, still in her lingerie, with one hand resting on the sink counter and the other lightly caressing her seven-month belly. She hadn't yet entered the shower, and her body was shaking slightly as tears streamed down her face. Her expression was a mixture of sadness and frustration, and I knew she was feeling vulnerable.

- Carina, what's wrong? - I asked softly, moving closer, not wanting to invade her space.

She looked at me through the reflection in the mirror, her eyes glistening with tears. The pain in her gaze was so intense that my chest ached for her.

- I... I just... - she tried to speak, but her voice failed her, and she turned her face away from the mirror, trying to hold back the tears.

I walked over to her, wrapping my arms around her body and hugging her gently from behind. I felt her warm skin against mine, and the weight of the baby between us made the moment seem even deeper.

My wife took a deep breath, trying to regain control. I could feel how she was struggling with her emotions.

- You don't have to hold it all in, my love - I whispered, squeezing her a little tighter - I'm here, Carina. What's bothering you?

She hesitated, taking another deep breath before letting out a small sigh.

- I... I feel so big, Maya - her voice sounded shaky, and my heart squeezed even tighter - Look at me... I know I'm pregnant, I know that's part of it, but sometimes, when I look in the mirror... I don't recognize myself. I feel ugly.

The words came out of her in a painful way, as if it was difficult to admit these feelings. I could see how much it was affecting her, how much she was struggling with her self-image, even though she knew she was giving birth to a new life inside her.

- My love - I began, gently, turning her to face me. I put my hands on her cheeks, forcing her to look me in the eye - You're creating our baby. Every curve, every change in your body... It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. You look beautiful, Carina.

She tried to smile, but the tears were still streaming down her face, and I knew that this was one of those moments when words, no matter how sincere, wouldn't completely erase the feelings she was carrying.

- I know, bambina. I know it's all part of it, but sometimes I just... - she sighed, bringing one hand to her face to wipe away the tears - I feel out of control. I can't fit into my clothes, my feet are swollen, my face... It's like nothing is the same as it used to be.