"Fragile Moments"

The soft beeping of the NICU machines and the gentle hum of the life-support systems enveloped Avan and Ashley as they sat beside their baby's incubator. Ashley's eyes were fixed on the tiny form wrapped in a soft blue blanket, her tears falling silently onto the glass wall that separated them. Avan held her hand, his eyes also fixed on their child, his expression a mix of sadness and hope. The baby was so small, so fragile, that it seemed impossible that he was a fully formed human being. As they sat there, Ashley's gaze never wavered from their baby's face. She was captivated by his tiny features, his small nose, and his delicate lips. Avan watched her, his heart aching at the sight of her tears. He knew that she was trying to memorize every detail of their child's face, to hold onto this moment forever. On the windowsill beside the incubator, a small toy caught Avan's eye - a Barbie doll, dressed in a pink ball gown, its bright colors a jarring contrast to the sterile surroundings of the NICU. It was a gift from one of the nurses, a token of hope and comfort for the parents of the tiny patient. Ashley noticed Avan's gaze and followed it to the doll. As she looked at the doll, a faint smile crossed her lips, and she turned to Avan. "We need to name him," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Avan looked at her, his eyes questioning. "What do you want to name him?" he asked, his voice soft. Ashley's eyes returned to their baby, and she gazed at him for a long moment before responding. Avan waited, his heart pounding with anticipation, as Ashley searched for the right name. The machines beeped and whirred around them, but the only sound that mattered was Ashley's voice, when she finally spoke, naming their child.