The stillborn baby was placed in his older brothers arms, seconds later, a cry echoes loudly!

Rachel leaned back in the armchair, one hand resting over her full-term belly. At nine months, every shift felt like a wave rolling beneath her skin. Across the room, her seven-year-old, David, lined up toy dinosaurs, narrating an epic tour of the backyard “secret hideouts” he planned to show his little brother.

“Mom, do you think he’ll like dinosaurs?” he asked, eyes bright.

“I’m sure he’ll love everything you show him,” Rachel said, brushing a stray hair from her face. “You’re going to be the best big brother.”

David pressed his ear to her bump. A firm kick thumped against his cheek. He froze, then broke into a grin. “He said hello!”

Ralph rushed in a moment later—tie askew, briefcase in hand. He kissed Rachel, ruffled David’s hair, and said, “Not long now, champ. A few more days and he’ll be here.”

But the next day, everything changed.