A few days had passed following the visit from the doctor. Saizo had hired a localnhousemaid from the village to help with the chores around the house since he couldn't do it himself being so busy all the time. He never seemed like the type to do housework anyways. She was n older woman, probably in her late fiftys . Her hair was short and very white and her eyes were brown, but in those eyes you could almost see all the pain she endured her entire life. I grew fond of her company.

I would often lay in our main hall reading some scrolls and books and share stories with her. When she found out about our possible pregnancy she was trilled for me. She would divulge her memories of her grandchildren and her beloved daughters but them she would grown sad. I later found out that both of her children movednaway to follow their husbands and the grandchildren she adored so much left too but always remained in her heart.

That was when I thought I was finally understanding how my role as a mother would play out. If I had a son, he would be strong like his father and he would make sure he trained him to be an amazing ninja like himself. If I had a daughter, she would be bethrothed one day, and chances could be she would move away too. Being a woman in this day and age was hard. I often wondered after coming to this realization how my grandfather felt about me leaving. Maybe he somehow held onto the hope that I would return to him, but then I met Saizo and migrated here, to his home far far away from my lovely little temple.

I wonder if he missed me, I haven't seen him since before I got married. I'm sure he would be ecstatic to hear about my possible pregnancy. I decided to write him a letter, and I sent it off as soon as I was finished.

I haven't had any dizzy spells and I was recovering quite well. I felt spoiled not having to work, and feared I would grow lazy when it came time to return to my duties. Even though I was scared, I wished with all my heart to be carrying a life inside me. This situation made me feel so much closer to my husband, I felt we were even more connected in some strange way. We would finally become a family.

Saizo hadent said much of it. I think he is still fearing the worst, but I know deep down he really wants this baby to be real too. He would make an excellent father.

We had learned in the next week that I still haven't experienced my flow and the time finally came to call for the doctor.

"I'm certain of it this time, you are without a doubt with child. I would estimate aroumd three momths now." He informed us as he left. The maid was given the money to give him his payment as he left so that Saizon and I could talk in private.

He had this expression on his face I had never witnessed before. He was rendered speechless, but I could see it in his eyes. The dreaded memory of losing his mother, and the fear I would lose my life too. At least I know if that were to happen, he wouldn't abandon our child like his father had done to him.

"I .. really don't know what to say." He managed to say, as bashful as I'd ever seen him. I laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Saizo, you don't have to say anything. This is as much as shock to me as it is to you."

"I honestly never imagined that one day I would be wed and bring a life into this world." He begins. "This is the greatest gift I could ever receive."

"I am happy I can give you something so unique. It fills me with joy."

"You know I'm not gonna stop worrying about you though, right?"

"Of course." I reply.

I lowered my hand to my stomach, grinning from ear to ear. Ive wanted to be a mother my whole life and now finally my dream is becoming a reality. I wadent even showing but I could imagine what it looked like. Wondering how a baby would even fit in my torso without smushimg up my insides. That must be the miracle of life. While I was tenderly thinking to myself, Saizo placed his hand upon my stomach as well, gently poking me there.

"You can't see anything.. But it feels like there's something there. Your belly feels hard as a rock." He laughs, admiring me lovingly. I had never seen him in this state, he seemed so gentle.

"I vow to protect our little one with my whole being. This child will not know the pain that we both shared, not having parents. I will be by their side until the end of my life."

He looks so determined.

"Saizo." I mutter, amazed at this new side of him.

"I mean it."

I could understand. I wouldn't want that for my children either. I want to be around for everything and maybe if I'm lucky, be able to share stories of grandchildren one day like the housemaid does.

The two of us went on about our day, more in love them we ever had been.

(chapter 6)