The gift

Ava's chest ached, her vision blurring with unshed tears. "Nicholas, why are you doing this?" She choked on the words.

"Take this." He took her hand in his, pressing the box gently into her palm. "Keep it safe for me. If I make it through, I'll take it back from you."

Ava exhaled a shaky breath, her fingers tightening around the box before she slipped it into her bag.

"Alright," she finally relented. "I'll keep it with me for now. But you should stop thinking nonsense and be positive. I want you to be by my side when I give birth. So don't even think you won't make it through the surgery. You have to."

He mustered a smile, nodding as if sealing an unbreakable vow. "Since you say that, how could I not fulfill your wish? I'll definitely be there for you. I promise."

Ava leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace.