Chapter 3

3

My father looked at my frantic face with concern.

"Dad! No matter what happens today, you have to protect Mom and the baby."

"Honey, what are you talking about? This isn't my first time being a dad. Of course I'll protect them."

"No, you have to promise me!"

"Okay, okay! I promise!"

While I was lecturing my father, Ria somehow found us again.

"Elara, Mr. Sterling! Congratulations!"

She waved and walked quickly toward us.

"Thanks!"

I blocked the door immediately as she tried to peer inside.

"Ria, if I remember correctly, you're on shift right now. Aren't you afraid the Head Nurse will catch you?"

"It's fine for a few minutes. I just wanted to see the baby."

Ria didn't look like she was planning to leave. She kept trying to look past me into the room.

"Ria, you're at a critical point in your internship."

"Don't let this distract you. You can see him after your shift is over."

My father, who was about to open the door for her, nodded after hearing my words.

"She's right, Ria. Elara has told me so much about you. Thank you for caring."

"But work comes first for young people. Come visit after you clock out!"

"Fine. I'll come by first thing after my shift."

Realizing she had no chance to get in, Ria gave us a chilling look before walking away.

"Elara, why were you so blunt with her?"

"Dad, just watch Mom and the baby!"

I didn't give him an explanation, only a stern warning.

"Alright..."

That night, even though my mother and brother were sleeping soundly, I couldn't relax.

The trauma from my past life was too deep.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw those horrific scenes.

"Elara, if you're tired, go to sleep."

My father spoke softly from the bedside chair.

"Your mother is fine, and the baby is healthy. I'm right here watching them."

I looked at him and nodded.

"Dad, I'm going to wash my face. You must stay here. Do not leave this room for any reason!"

He nodded seriously and gave me his word.

I ran to the restroom and splashed cold water on my face. It woke me up instantly.

With my father on guard, nothing should go wrong.

But as I stepped out of the restroom, I saw a familiar figure darting toward the stairwell.

My heart hammered against my ribs.

I sprinted back to the room. My father was sitting right where I left him.

"Maybe I'm just being paranoid," I whispered to myself.

"Dad, I'm back."

I wiped the sweat from my forehead.

"You're being way too cautious," my father teased.

"Hospital security is great these days. What could happen?"

"Besides, your friend Ria already stopped by to check on the baby. She said all his vitals were perfect."

"Ria?" My heart skipped a beat.

"Dad, have you been in the room the whole time?"

"Mostly. I just stepped out for a quick smoke while Ria was doing the check-up."

"Don't worry, I aired myself out before coming back in."

Hearing that he had stepped out, and remembering the figure I saw at the stairs, my body began to tremble.

I lunged toward the bassinet.

Sure enough, my brother was gone. In his place lay the deformed monster from my nightmares!

"Help! Someone stole my baby!"