Part 1: The Night I Was Finally Needed

December 29, 2025 by ucef

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Barely.

I didn’t think. I didn’t hesitate. I scooped him into my arms and pressed him against my chest, instinct taking over before fear could catch up. His skin was cold. His body trembled.

And in that moment, standing on a bathroom floor that smelled of bleach and disinfectant, something inside me shifted.

For the first time in years…

Someone needed me.

There was a note tucked into the blanket. I unfolded it with shaking fingers.

“I couldn’t do it. Please keep him safe.”

“Oh, sweetheart,” I whispered, tears blurring my vision. “Who could leave you like this?”

The baby didn’t answer, of course. His tiny fists just clenched tighter, as if holding on to the only warmth he could find. I wrapped him in my work jersey, my hands rough and damp, my uniform smelling of chemicals.