He looked at her with something heavy behind his eyes, something that carried years of pain and unanswered questions. “Please. Tell me his name.”

Abigail hesitated. “Julian Pierce,” she said.

The room went silent as the words settled. Dr. Pierce closed his eyes, and a tear slid down his cheek as he repeated the name.

“Julian Pierce,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “That’s my son.”

No one moved. The newborn’s soft cry filled the space between them. Abigail felt the air leave her lungs.

“That’s not possible,” she said, shaking her head.