Theo gazed upon what his wife brought into the world a few days ago, for the first time.
He finally understood why she didn't want him to see his son until now.
No words could describe what he was seeing.
What was it?
The thing cradled in his wife's arm has in fact a baby.
A baby boy.
That was clearly not human.
Covered in brown fur from head to toe.
With a long tail, like a dog.
Animal features , small paws instead of hands.
And blue eyes , that were human.
Too human.
Agonizingly so.
His mind was filled with confusion and rage.
How was this possible?
What did they do to deserve this?
The next thing he did even surprised him.
He started to scream.
- What is that thing!?
His wife held the baby close to her, tears streaming down her face.
- Its a baby; she chocked out between sobs.
When he heard her say these words, he lost it.
- How can you say that!? Look at it Mary, it's a monster!
Theo yelled so loudly that the baby began to cry, quiet sobs in his mother's arms.
As if he could understand everything his father was saying.
Panicked, Mary tried to console that baby, knowing for sure that her husband would loose him temper if the infant made too much noise.
She placed her hand on the baby's cheek and slowly caressed the fur, so soft on his little face.
- How can you stand to look at it!? He demanded
Mary was out of words.
Yes, the fact that her baby was not normal bothered her.
He was still her child, no matter what he looked like.
- He is still my baby, Theo please understand.
- Understand! Understand what exactly?
That this thing in your arms is the baby you've always wanted!
You're going crazy Mary, Look at it! Whe have to get rid of that monster!
She hesitated, she didn't want anything to happen to her child.
Hearing this entire thing proved one thing to her. If her husband really loved her, he would love this baby as well.
Accept him, in spite of what he looked like.
She held him close and kissed the top of his head.
- Fine! I get the message. You would rather keep this freak than save your marriage!
I hope you get what you deserve! He yelled and slammed the door closed.
Theo was gone.
Without even realising it, Mary had chosen her baby over her husband.
Somehow she knew that she had made the right choice. She looked down at her baby,
This little baby had caused so much trouble in the short amount of time that he's been in the world.
She never wanted this to end this way. She didn't want her husband to see the baby until she got over her own shock.
She knew that this was going to happen. Theo would hate this child with all of his might.
There was nothing that she could do that was ever going to change that.
Her little boy has still asleep, with his little paws wrapped around a strand of her long, golden hair.
She couldn't stop looking at him.
She was so small and fragile.
So frightening and yet, so adorable.
She came to a conclusion. She would have to run away, alone with her baby.
She was aware that her husband would never leave her alone.
Se wanted that baby destroyed and she would do anything to keep it safe.
She packed her bags and left her home. Only taking clothes, money and a few personal items with her.
She knew she had to get out of town before Theo discovered that she ran away, or worst, before he could tell someone about her son.
What if someone came and took him from her?
Just thinking about such a thing made her extremely sad.
With everything that has happened in the last few days, she haven't had a chance to think of a name for her newborn baby.
She had no idea where to start, no inspiration whatsoever.
She looked at him and their eyes met. He had such beautiful eyes.
Blue, just like the sky.
His fur was slightly longer on his head and neck, making him look like a little lion.
- I think i will call you Leon. she said
The baby smiled up at her, as to say that he liked it.
That smile warmed her soul and for the first time, she felt like everything no longer mattered.
The only thing she had left in the world was her baby, her little Leon.
She knew that the road ahead was going to be filled with uncertainties but as long as they had each other, everything was going to be okay.
Holding on to her baby, being careful not to let anyone see his face, she got in her taxi.
She waited for her husband to leave the house before she called a cab. Knowing that Theo was going to try and stop her.
If that happened, the only chance she had of leaving would be destroyed.
He was still angry, enraged at what happened with the baby.
What scared her the most is that she had no idea what he would try to do next.
Would he try to find her?
Did he still want to kill Leon?
All of these questions were going on in her head.
Mary didn't know how long she had been sitting in the taxi.
The ride felt like forever.
Holding Leon close to her, she felt grateful that the taxi driver didn't notice that the baby's face was almost entirely covered.
Mary knew the dangers of letting someone see Leon.
They wouldn't understand.
She was afraid of what would happen if someone found out the truth.
What was the truth?
Despair started to take over her because she would probably never get the answers that she was looking for.
After a drive that took about 45 minutes, she arrived at her destination.
The old country house. which was far enough to be safe from the rest of the world.
Her husband ordered her to sell the house a few years ago, but she never did.
This was her little secret and for once she was glad that she lied to her husband about it.
This would be her new home.
A safe place to start a new life with her son.
Away from the cruelty of the world.
A place where Mary could raise her son ,without being afraid.