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RYLEE HANSON (narrative)
The darkness of the night clung to the room like a heavy blanket, the stillness only broken by the soft hum of the heater. My eyes flutter open, a strange feeling stirring within me. Something's off. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I feel this rush of energy buzzing through my body. I glance at the clock. 2:42 a.m. The house is quiet, save for Nika's even breathing beside me. I feel the warmth of her body against mine, and I'm so content that it almost makes me want to close my eyes again and drift back to sleep. But I can't.
There's this pull, a feeling of anticipation, like something is about to happen. And then it hits me. The phone. I know exactly what it is before I even hear the soft vibrating buzz from the nightstand. I freeze, my heart pounding in my chest. It's late—too late for anything normal—but when I see the name on the screen, I know.
It's Malik. My brother-in-law.
I shoot up from the bed, suddenly wide awake. My heart races, my chest tight with adrenaline. Something's happened. Maybe it's Andy. Something about her. My sister.
Nika stirs beside me, her brow furrowing as she tries to adjust to the sudden movement. "Rylee?" she asks groggily, her voice thick with sleep.
"I... I have to take this," I whisper, barely able to contain my excitement. I quickly swipe the screen and answer, barely able to catch my breath.
"Malik?" My voice is shaky, full of tension and uncertainty, but also excitement. I don't even know why I feel like this. I just know that when it's him, it's never a casual call.
"Hey, Rylee," Malik's voice comes through the phone, strong and calm. But there's something in his tone. A weight. Something new.
I can feel Nika moving behind me, sitting up now, watching me with concern in the dim light.
"Is everything okay?" I manage to say, my voice almost a whisper. But my mind is already spinning with a thousand thoughts.
Malik chuckles softly, though there's still a bit of a quiver in his voice. "Everything's fine. Actually... I've got some great news."
I blink, holding my breath. I can hear Nika shifting behind me, the anticipation rising in both of us.
"It's Andy," Malik continues, and I swear my heart skips a beat. "She had the baby. A little boy. You've got a nephew, Rylee."
I can't breathe for a moment. It's like the air has been sucked from the room. My heart is hammering in my chest, but there's this overwhelming joy building inside me. I've dreamed of this moment. I've wanted this for so long. For Andy to have a baby, for our family to grow, for us to reconnect somehow.
"A nephew?" I repeat, my voice shaky. The words don't seem real. It's been so long since Andy and I were close, since we were inseparable, but hearing that... hearing Malik tell me this, it feels like a dream come true.
