**Two Weeks Later**

Two weeks had passed since Alex and Thrain had left on their journey. The cabin felt emptier than ever, and Lyra found herself struggling to adjust to the silence. The absence of Elandor was a heavy weight on her heart, but she was starting to come to terms with his death. She missed her friends terribly, especially Alex, and often found herself looking out the window, hoping to see him walking back up the path.

One quiet afternoon, she made a vow to herself. "When Alex comes back knocking on my door, I'll come running to kiss him," she whispered, a small smile tugging at her lips.

**Feeling Ill**

But as the days went by, Lyra began to feel ill. It started with a strange queasiness in her stomach. One morning, she woke up with a churning feeling and ran to the bathroom, throwing up violently.

"Oh God," she groaned, clutching her stomach.

The illness persisted throughout the day, and by nightfall, she felt utterly drained. Over the next two days, the vomiting continued, and she found herself unable to stop eating. Her appetite was insatiable, and she craved all sorts of foods she normally didn't eat.

"I need to see a doctor," she decided after another bout of vomiting. The nearest doctor was in the village, and although the thought of traveling made her feel even more nauseous, she knew she couldn't put it off any longer.

**The Doctor's Visit**

The village was bustling with activity when Lyra arrived. She made her way to the doctor's office, feeling lightheaded and anxious. The doctor, a kindly old man with a gentle smile, welcomed her into his examination room.

"Sit down, my dear," he said warmly. "What seems to be the problem?"

Lyra explained her symptoms, her voice trembling with worry. The doctor listened intently, nodding as she spoke. "I see," he said thoughtfully. "Let's do a few checks."

He placed his hands over her abdomen, muttering an incantation under his breath. A soft, warm light emanated from his palms, and Lyra felt a strange, comforting sensation spread through her body.

After a few moments, the doctor stepped back, his expression serious yet kind. "I have some news for you, Lyra. It appears that you are pregnant."

Lyra's eyes widened in shock. "What? I'm what?"

"You're pregnant," the doctor repeated gently. "Congratulations."

Lyra's mind raced, struggling to process the unexpected news. "But… how? I mean, I know how, but…"

The doctor smiled reassuringly. "It's a lot to take in, I know. I advise you to rest as much as possible for the next eight to nine months. Eat properly for both you and the baby."

Lyra nodded numbly, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. "Thank you," she managed to say before leaving the office.

**Coming to Terms**

The journey back to the cabin felt surreal. Lyra's mind was in turmoil, and she barely noticed the familiar surroundings. When she finally reached home, she collapsed onto her bed, staring up at the ceiling in shock.

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For the next few days, Lyra struggled to come to terms with the news. She spent hours sitting by the window, lost in thought. The realization that she was going to be a mother was overwhelming, and she felt a mixture of fear and excitement.

One morning, as the sun streamed through the window, she placed her hand on her still-flat stomach and whispered, "I can't wait to have this baby."

A sense of calm washed over her as she accepted her new reality. She knew that she would have to be strong, not just for herself, but for the child growing inside her.

**Waiting for Alex**

Lyra's thoughts often drifted to Alex. She missed him terribly and wished he were here to share this journey with her. But she also knew that he needed time to heal, just as she did. She promised herself that she would wait for him, no matter how long it took.

"He'll come back," she whispered to herself. "I don't know when, but he will. And when he does, I'll be here, waiting."

She began to take better care of herself, following the doctor's advice to eat properly and rest. The days passed slowly, but she found comfort in the thought of the future she would share with her child. She imagined Alex's reaction when he found out he was going to be a father, and it brought a smile to her face.

**Finding Strength**

As the weeks turned into months, Lyra's strength grew. She started to prepare the cabin for the baby's arrival, making small changes and gathering supplies. Her sadness over Elandor's death didn't disappear, but it became a part of her, a quiet sorrow that she carried with her.

One evening, as she sat by the fire, she felt a gentle kick from inside her belly. Tears filled her eyes, and she placed her hand over the spot, feeling the tiny life growing within her.

"Hello, little one," she whispered, her voice filled with wonder. "I can't wait to meet you."

The days were still filled with moments of sadness, especially when she thought about her friends who had left. But the promise of new life gave her hope and a reason to keep moving forward.

**Looking to the Future**

Lyra knew that the journey ahead wouldn't be easy. She would have to face many challenges on her own until Alex returned. But she was determined to be strong, for herself and her child. She found solace in the routine of daily life, in the small moments of joy that came with each new day.

She often found herself daydreaming about the future, about the day Alex would return. She imagined him holding their child, the look of amazement and love on his face. It was a thought that gave her strength, a reminder that she wasn't alone, even if they were miles apart.

**A Mother's Promise**

One night, as she lay in bed, Lyra made a promise to her unborn child. "I'll be the best mother I can be," she whispered, her voice steady and strong. "I'll protect you and love you with all my heart. And one day, your father will come home, and we'll be a family."

She felt a sense of peace as she spoke the words, a calm certainty that carried her through the difficult days. The world outside might be filled with challenges and uncertainty, but within her heart, she held the promise of a new beginning.

**Anticipation**

As the months passed, Lyra continued to prepare for the arrival of her baby. She visited the village regularly, seeking advice and gathering supplies. The villagers, who had come to respect and care for her, offered their support and congratulations.

She decorated a small room in the cabin, filling it with soft blankets and handmade toys. Each day brought her closer to the moment she would hold her child in her arms, and she found herself growing more excited with each passing week.

**A Waiting Heart**

Though the waiting was difficult, Lyra's heart remained hopeful. She often stood by the window, looking out at the path that led to the cabin, imagining the day Alex would return. She knew it might be years before she saw him again, but she held onto the belief that he would come back to her.

"He'll come back," she repeated to herself, a mantra of hope. "And when he does, we'll be a family."

The journey ahead was uncertain, but Lyra was ready to face it with courage and determination. She had found a new purpose, a reason to keep going, and she knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she would face them with strength and love.

**Conclusion**

As Lyra lay in bed that night, feeling the gentle movements of her unborn child, she whispered a prayer of gratitude. "Thank you for this gift," she said softly. "I promise to cherish and protect this new life."

She closed her eyes, a smile playing on her lips as she drifted off to sleep. The future was unknown, but for the first time in weeks, she felt a sense of peace and anticipation. She knew that whatever came next, she would face it with hope and strength, carrying the memory of Elandor and the promise of new life within her heart.