Thirteen |

Gracefully Cruel

The man couldn't help but feel utterly weak. The sight was enough for him to feel wholly fearful.

His wife smiled weakly at the tiny infant in the midwife's arms. Her eyes sparkled with adoration as she tiredly whispered, "She's divine."

Her breathing became more arduous. She winced in pain, and immediately the midwives and the Chief Healer were by her side.

The man rushed to his wife's side only for the midwives to plead him to leave and let them resolve the situation. "No, no," he argued, the world spinning in circles as he felt his stomach drop into a pit of emptiness. "Please, please, please stay with me, Mana, you have to be here, with us..."

He never felt the pulls of various healers, ushering him out of the room. He only saw her petite and weak figure. He tried to scream for her, but her figure was far from his grasp and soon from his sight.

In another room, the man walked around anxiously. All he desired was to be at his wife's side. If only he could demolish the wall separating him and his wife. His complete adoration and love.

How was it possible that their happiest day had suddenly turned into a nightmare? The man weakly leaned on the wall. His face was stunned. How was it possible that the most powerful man in Egypt shivered in fear?

Soft footsteps entered the room. The man looked up, and there she was.

His daughter.

She was soundly asleep, wrapped in a small blanket. The midwife gently placed her in his arms, and he let out a shaken breath.

She was exactly like his wife described her, completely divine.

With a soft smile, the man allowed himself to enjoy this small moment.

She was finally here.

His daughter.

Their precious daughter. Their child.

"Anippe," the man tenderly whispered. "Hello, my love," he continued before hearing midwives and healers shouting across the other side.

Tears now in his eyes, with a trembling voice, he said in desperate prayer, "Please, reach out to Mama. Help keep her here."

However, the gods heard no prayers that day.

It was dusk when the man was delivered the heartbreaking news.

She was gone.

The man awoke and gasped hard. Sitting forward, he threw his sheets off him and sighed.

It was hopeless. No matter how much Atem tried, he couldn't sleep peacefully. The minute he closed his eyes, he relived that tragic day all over again.

It had just been a few days ago that she died. Atem and Egypt mourned in deep pain.

His throat tightened as his eyes clouded with tears.

"Mana."

That's when he noticed the cries of his daughter. Faster than light itself, he was next to the small wooden baby bed where she laid.

Atem frowned slightly. She couldn't stop crying.

"Hello, Anippe. What's wrong, dear?"

Carefully, he picked up his daughter and rocked her.

Even though he wanted to mourn and lock himself away from the world, he knew he couldn't.

Anippe's cries and coos were a call back to the living world, making Atem smile sadly. No matter how daunting, how agonizing, how heartbreaking his wife's death was, there is a life she created.

Anippe was here because of her. There was a beautiful princess who needed to be fed, sung to, and held close and loved. She was his beacon of hope in his most troubled dark thoughts. He wouldn't let himself be consumed into a dreadful and dark place because. he had her.

Humming, Atem paced around his room. Anippe's cries slowly come to a stop.

Explanations will come in the years ahead. For now, Atem wants her to know how magical her mother was. He wanted her to understand how captivated he was with her mother's breathtaking beauty, both inside and out. He wanted his daughter to know about all the pranks they pulled together, the trouble they caused in the palace, and when he had asked for her hand at the Nile river. He wanted his daughter to know that her mother loved her with every part of her soul just like he did.

Gazing at Anippe's sleeping form, Atem softly kissed her forehead.

But those days would have to wait.

For now, they both needed sleep.

Note(s):

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS, Manhattan dad's heartbreak after wife dies giving birth to twins, By HEIDI EVANS

Author's Note(s):

The first week back in University was amazing. Felt like updating due to my good mood. However, the chapter was anything but a good mood. I cried writing this chapter. It's enough to lose a significant other and become a widow(er). However, becoming a single parent as well? I'm completely devastated just imagining the weight and heartbreak of those who such tragedy has been bestowed upon them. This chapter is in your dedication, single parents. Know that you are never alone. You are a literal angel, a hero, and most importantly, a parent to a precious blessing. Most importantly, dedicated to the most heartbreaking yet powerful article listed above.