When Zoe came out of the kitchen with the cake still warm, the smell filled the apartment. The frosting dripped down the sides, and the inside was soft, golden, perfect. Celina cut a small slice carefully and took a bite. It was like a hug in the form of food.

“This is wonderful,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “And the best part… I’m not feeling sick.”

Zoe sat beside her, beaming with pride.

“Do you know why? Because tonight you’re light. Your mind is at peace. That changes everything. The babies are fine. They feel everything!”

Around 10 p.m., Zoe stretched and said:

“Tonight is about comfort and laziness. I’m ordering takeout you’re going to love. No healthy food tonight—just for once, we’re going full junk food.”

Celina smiled and nodded. Forty minutes later, the two of them were sitting on the living room floor, the coffee table buried under wrappers, soda, juice, fries—and laughter.

It was nearly midnight when Zoe decided to leave.

“Stay here,” Celina suggested.

“Not to