The moonlight streamed through the bedroom window, casting Vlad’s long shadow across the floor. A solitary droplet of water fell beside the dark silhouette.
He had just emerged from the bathroom, his hair still damp, hastily dressed in only his trousers. In his arms was Alexander, carefully wrapped in soft fabric. He moved toward the cradle with measured steps, holding his breath to avoid waking the infant. Alexander had fallen asleep right after his bath. Vlad gently placed him in the cradle as if handling fragile glass.
Only after tucking the blanket around his son did he allow himself a breath of relief. Water droplets ran down from his wet hair, trailing freely over his firm chest and abs. At last, he used the towel around his neck to wipe the moisture from his hair, all while gazing down at the peaceful child.
“Well done, Alexander.”
