A lone raven cut across the overcast sky, searching for a place to rest. Spying a modest homestead, it altered its course and lined up a smooth descent, landing silently upon the pitched roof.  Below, the wooden door creaked open, and a young woman stepped out into the yard holding a woven basket. A soft, cheerful melody hummed from her lips as she walked over to the animal pens to feed her livestock. "Hey there, my dears. Did you miss me?" She laughed softly, scattering the feed. "Oh, I am sure you did." As she watched them gather, her eyes suddenly filled with pity. She noticed a hen near the back, struggling to move, its leg dragging unnaturally. "Oh no, poor thing," she murmured, kneeling down to examine it. The leg was badly broken, likely fractured while the birds were aggressively jostling for food. She sighed, running a gentle hand over its feathers. "I gave you all more than enough food today... You know I cannot fix this for you, right?" she whispered.  Realizing the bird would only suffer, she stood up with a heavy heart. "I guess it is goodbye, then." She gently lifted the injured hen from the pen, carried it under her arm, and securely locked the cage behind her. Returning inside the quiet house, she headed straight for the hearth at the corner of the room, where a bright fire crackled. She set a heavy pot of water over the flames to boil. "Do not worry, Mr. Hen. I will make sure to remove your feathers gently," she murmured, soothingly rubbing the bird's back before performing the necessary chore. Once the meat was prepared and the dinner was simmering, she set the table. Just as she placed the final platter down, the front door opened. A man walked into the room. Though he was older, he carried himself with an elegant, handsome dignity. A warm smile instantly lit up the woman's face the moment she caught sight of him. "Honey! You're back," she cheered. "Hello, my darling. How have you been doing today?" Thomas asked, stepping fully into the dining area. Alice rushed forward and wrapped her arms around him in a tight, welcoming hug. "You should freshen up first, dear," she suggested, leaning back. "Sure, I will do that. But just a minute," Thomas pleaded, playfully pouting. "Wait before I go... or did you not miss me at all?" Alice laughed at his pitiful expression. "Of course I did! But dinner is going to get cold if you do not wash up right now," she warned lightheartedly. "Okay, fine. Since you clearly do not miss your husband enough to spend a single moment with him, I shall go," he teased, pulling back with a dramatic sigh and walking toward the washroom. She smiled sheepishly, watching him leave, and took her seat at the dining table. As her eyes drifted across the layout, her gaze locked onto the third, empty chair. A familiar wave of sorrow overwhelmed her mind. She desperately needed to give her husband a child. Thomas was growing older day by day, and a man of his standing needed a proper successor to inherit his legacy. She became so deeply trapped in her own thoughts that she didn't even notice her husband had returned, fully refreshed, and was already sitting directly across from her. "Ahem," Thomas cleared his throat softly, a warm grin playing on his lips to catch her attention. "Oh! Dear, you scared me," Alice gasped, snapping out of her daze. She quickly smoothed down her apron. "I see you are all clean now. Alright, let me dish out your food, my sweet, handsome husband," she said, trying her absolute best to mask the underlying sadness in her voice. "My wife certainly knows how to flatter me," he replied, offering a gentle smile. Yet, behind his eyes, a shadow of worry lingered for her. "Hahaha, yes, I know you are good-looking, and most of all, you are adorable," she insisted, proudly presenting the steaming plate before him. "Yummy," Thomas said, dipping his spoon into the rich stew and taking a bite. Alice's heart melted at his satisfied expression. "Go easy on yourself, there is still plenty left to eat, my husband." "How can I possibly go easy on a meal when my darling wife prepared it herself?" "Hahaha, stop being such a sweet-talker. Alright, eat up." Once the couple finished their dinner, they cleaned up and retired to the bedroom. But as the hours ticked by, sleep refused to come to Alice. She lay awake in the dark, staring at the ceiling as the heavy weight of her empty womb pressed down on her. Tears filled her eyes as she imagined what it would feel like to finally cradle a baby in her arms. Feeling her trembling beside him, Thomas shifted in the bed, turning over to wrap his strong arms securely around her waist so she wouldn't feel alone. "Thinking again?" he asked, his voice a low, soothing rumble in the quiet room. "Hmm... Thomas?" she whispered, turning to face him. "What do I have to do to get pregnant? What do I have to do to make you truly happy, Thomas?" Thomas's heart broke slightly at her words. "Who said I am not happy, Alice? I am completely happy just having you. You do not have to stress yourself over this, okay? No matter what happens, I will always be by your side." He leaned down and pressed a tender kiss against her brown hair. "Thank you, Thomas, for being so patient with me. I am so lucky to have you." "No, I am the lucky one to have you, Alice. Now, let us go to sleep and try not to think anymore tonight, okay?" "Okay. Good night, Thomas." "Good night, Alice." They held each other tightly, drawing comfort from one another's warmth, until sleep finally claimed them. 

"Good morning, honey," Alice greeted her husband early the next day, noticing he was already fully dressed for the forge. "Good morning, my beautiful wife." "I see my husband is dressed and looking as handsome as always." "Yes, I am," he smiled, stepping closer to plant a gentle kiss on her forehead. "And I will see you later in the day when I get back from work." Alice blinked, her smile faltering. "Huh? I thought you said you were coming with me to the market today?" "Yes, I did say that," Thomas admitted, looking apologetic. "But the royal knights from the palace just sent word. They are coming to the forge today to commission a new batch of swords for the king's guards." He sighed, adjusting his leather belt. "As we all know, the king is doing everything possible to keep the kingdom completely secure for the impending arrival of his unborn child." The moment the words left his mouth, Thomas froze, realizing he had made a terrible mistake. While Thomas Aberforth was content with their quiet life, his wife Alice was so thoroughly consumed by the desperate need for a child that she was reaching a breaking point-a point where she would do absolutely anything to conceive. Over the years, Alice had visited countless temples, offered endless sacrifices, and knelt before every altar to pray for a pregnancy, but everything had proven entirely pointless. Thomas loved his wife fiercely regardless of her fertility, but for Alice, the seven years since their wedding had been defined by a quiet, aching isolation. Over-analyzing her perceived failures had become her closest companion. Every morning followed the same routine: they would prepare for their respective businesses. But every evening, Alice would prepare dinner with silent tears stinging her eyes. Thomas spent his days at his prestigious smithy, forging weapons for the royal family, while Alice ran a modest fruit counter in the bustling village market. By the time evening rolled around, Alice returned home from the market feeling utterly exhausted and emotionally drained. Hoping to occupy her frantic mind, she quickly freshened up and went out to the yard to chop some firewood before her husband returned. As she swung the heavy tool, she caught the muffled sound of giggles. At the corner of the lane, a small group of neighborhood women had gathered. They whispered loudly, mocking and laughing at her for being childless. Alice stiffened, pretending not to hear the cruel barbs thrown her way, but the words cut straight to her soul. Unable to hold back her tears any longer, she dropped the heavy ax onto the dirt, turned on her heel, and fled inside the house. Slamming the door shut, she let out a loud, agonizing sob, cursing her very existence in the empty room. Hours later, after Thomas had returned and found her distressed, he gently tried to steer her thoughts away from the pain. "Well, I promise you, tomorrow I will absolutely go with you to the market, okay?" Alice's mood was still fractured, but she forced a brave smile for his sake. "Okay, if you say so. Tomorrow then," she agreed softly. "Today, I will just have to manage the market counter all by myself. But please, make sure you take care of yourself at the forge. You know how troublesome those arrogant palace guards can be." "I will be perfectly fine," Thomas assured her. He stepped forward, pulling her into a protective embrace. "You take care of yourself out there, too." "I will," she murmured, gently releasing herself from his hold. Thomas gathered his blacksmithing tools and headed out the door. Alice stood on the porch, watching his retreating figure walk down the path. As she stood there, a middle-aged woman standing further down the lane suddenly waved at her, a warm, pleasant smile gracing her features. Alice waved back, thoroughly surprised. The local villagers hardly ever spoke to her unless it was to gossip or mock her behind her back. Maybe she is new to the area, Alice thought to herself, feeling a small spark of comfort before heading inside to gather her market wares. Once Alice finished packing her baskets, she walked out and locked the front door securely. As she made her way down the dirt road toward the village square, she spotted the same woman from earlier. This time, the stranger was walking directly toward her, maintaining that same friendly smile. "Hi, I am Rebecca," the woman introduced herself warmly. "Oh, please forgive my intrusion! I only just moved to this neighborhood recently, and I have been walking around the paths trying to learn the surroundings a bit better." "Oh, I see! I am Alice, by the way." "It is truly nice to meet you, Alice. I see you are on your way to the market, so I won't delay you any longer. I will see you around!" "Yes, it is wonderful to meet you too, Rebecca. See you later," Alice replied with a genuine smile, stepping past her. As Alice walked down the road, an odd sensation washed over her. She paused and glanced back over her shoulder at the woman's retreating back. Hmm... what a strange woman, she thought silently, before turning back toward the market. 

Later in the day. After the stressful day at market. Alice came home all stressed out and tired. She dropped her things. Went straight to check on the animals as she always does. Then she heard a voice that called her name, Alice turned to see who it was, But only for her to find Rebecca walking towards her. "Hi Good evening Alice, how was work today at the market?" Alice wasn't use to talking about her day with other people, if not her husband. All she did was smile at Rebecca. "Sorry I guess am disturbing too much." Rebecca said with a sad tone. "Ohh no Rebecca you're not. Actually I don't talk to much people around here. Other than my husband." "I see. And why is that? When you look free to chat with. I mostly prefer you to others I have approach around here." Alice smiles. "Really? I never knew. Well I will be making dinner soon will you like to join me if you don't mind?" "Sure I don't mind. I will join you, so what are you making for dinner?" They both continued talking as they went inside to prepare dinner. Alice was happy to finally have someone to talk to, which is not her husband. "Alice I heard the queen will be giving birth very soon. And the king is adding up the knights to protect the kingdom for the queen's delivery." Rebecca said as she was cutting the vegetable. Once again Alice was reminded of her problem. Alice didn't let it get to her as she forcefully answered Rebecca. "Well I guess the king really love's our queen so much." She smiled. 'And I wish I was in her place.' She said in a low tone. They continued chatting when Thomas walked in, and was surprise to find his wife chatting and laughing with another woman. And also preparing dinner with her. But Alice and Rebecca didn't notice because they were busy chatting as they were cooking. Not until Alice turned to find her husband standing and staring at her in shock. Alice smiled and went to hug Thomas. "You are back. how was work?" She ask hugging Thomas. And collecting the things he was holding to keep. "Work was fine." Thomas speak in a confusion. Rebecca turned her gaze towards Thomas and gave him a welcoming smile. "Honey meet Rebecca. She just move into our neighborhood newly. Rebecca meet Thomas my husband." Rebecca was standing with smile on her face. As she looks at the couples before her, while Alice was making the introduction. "Ohh I see. Well miss or Mrs? "Mrs." Rebecca answered. "You are welcome to our neighborhood Mrs Rebecca nice to have you around." He said returning his gaze to Alice. "Thank you Mr Thomas. Am glad to be here and having such a kind hearted people as my neighbor. She said. "Well honey go freshen up we are almost done with the food." "Okay my darling." He said going to the room to freshen up. Few minutes later they were done cooking and setting the table. They all sat together eating, chatting and laughing. "Well I must be on my way now it's getting late, am really greatful I met the two of you ." Rebecca said getting up from her seat. "Thank you so much for coming Rebecca." Alice said with smile on her face. "Anytime Alice, I will see you tomorrow." Rebecca left the house, Alice got up and pick the dishes from the table. Thomas was happy seeing his wife smiling. "I see someone is happy." Thomas was smiling and walking towards his wife and hugged her from the back. "Ohh common Thomas am just glad I meet someone different nothing more." "Ohh really? Well that's good. "Alright allow me to finish cleaning the dishes, I will join you in the room okay." Alice said. "Okay then I will be waiting." Thomas replied. Thomas went inside and Alice continued with the cleaning.