As Sia settled into the awareness of her rebirth, she made a resolute decision – this time, she would strive for a life of peace, far from the horrors of bloodshed that had marred her previous existence.
However, the next time she woke, she felt an unfamiliar sensation. A powerful force seemed to pull her from within, and before she could resist, she was expelled with a forceful jolt. It was as if something had suctioned her out, and as she emerged, she felt a metallic smack on her butt, replacing the warmth of a human touch. Startled, she realized that she was crying – a loud, uncontainable cry of a newborn baby.
Surprised by the sound of her own voice, Sia couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the unfamiliar emotions surging through her. It had been years since she last cried, and this involuntary act felt like a release, allowing her to breathe and embrace the vulnerability of her new life.
Despite her embarrassment, the comfort of a soft, gentle voice reassured her. "Oh, my baby, she's so pretty," someone said, marveling at her existence. Another voice, undoubtedly masculine, chimed in, "Yes, my love, look at her. She is so small, so tiny."
The tender words resonated within Sia's heart, and for the first time in this new life, she felt a glimmer of warmth and love. These voices belonged to her parents, the ones who had brought her into this world. Though still adapting to her reborn identity, she already sensed a bond forming, linking her to her family.
. . .
As a newborn, Sia faced the challenges of adapting to a completely different existence. Her body was small, fragile, and incapable of movement or communication. Her every need depended on the robotic babysitters and her parents, Lady Aresha and her husband Keith Conal.
In the following days, Sia found herself experiencing a whirlpool of emotions. She reflected on the hardships she had endured, from facing roaches and mud, but now, for the first time, she was confronted with the awkwardness and embarrassment of being asked to suckle from a woman's breast and drink milk. These long-forgotten emotions, buried for 28 years, resurfaced and stirred within her.
"Keith, I'm worried. She's not breastfeeding; she only drinks from those bottles. Should we go to the clinic?" Sia's mother, Lady Aresha, asked, her voice tender with concern.
"Aresha, it's fine. I already called the clinic earlier. They said it's normal for newborns to have difficulties latching on and learning to breastfeed. Our baby is smart; she will learn," her husband reassured her with a calming voice.
After listening to the couple's conversation, Sia took on her first mission in this new life: to breastfeed from her mother.
"I have endured far worse; this is just milk. At least I can't see," she silently reassured herself, determined to adapt and overcome the challenges of her rebirth.