Tokyo, Japan
In a delivery room at JR Tokyo General Hospital
December 16th, 2002
Around almost 8 pm.
The sterile scent of antiseptics filled the air, blending with the quiet murmurs of doctos and nurses moving swiftly around the brightly lit hospital room. The rhythmic beeping of machinesc accompanied the occassional cry from down the hallway where other mothers endured the same pain, same joy.
Risa Rourke lay in the hospital bed, her fingers curled tightly around the hand of her husband, Shinjo. Sweat dampened her forehead, and her deep light silver eyes, filled with exhaustion and determination, locked onto Shinjo's. Her grip tightened with each wave of pain, her nails digging into his skin as she fought through yet another contraction.
"Breath, Risa." Shinjo whispered, his voice soothing but filled with worry.
"You're doing great, koibito. Just a little more." He added.
Tears welled in Risa's eyes, a mixture of pain and love as she nodded.
"I...."
"I just want to see our son, Shinjo." Risa uttered.
"And you will. Soon. I promise." Shinjo comforted her.
"You're almost there. Just one more push, Rourke-san. You can do this." The doctor, a kind - faced woman with decades of experience, observed Risa carefully.
Risa took a deep breath, gathering every ounce of strength left in her trembling body. Shinjo leaned in closer, pressing a gentle kiss against her damp forehead.
"Aishiteru" He murmured, his voice choked with emotion.
With a final, agonizing cry, Risa pushed one last time, her body shaking with exertion.
And then -
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
A sharp, piercing cry filled the room.
The weight of pain lifted almost instantly as overwhelming relief washed over her. Risa collapsed against the pillows, her breath coming in uneven pants, her heart pounding in her chest. The sound of her son's first cries echoed in her ears, the most beautiful sound she had ever heard.
Shinjo let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his grip on Risa's hand loosening just slightly. His dark eyes shimmered with unshed tears as he turned toward the doctor, who carefully cradled the the tiny newborn wrapped in a soft blue blanket.
"Congratulations. It's a beautiful baby boy." The doctor said warmly, carefully placing the newborn into Risa's waiting arms.
Risa looked down at the fragile little life in her arms, her heart swelling with indescribable love. His tiny hands curled into fists, his face scrunched up as he let out another soft whimper before settling into her warmth.
Shinjo gently ran a hand over the baby's light, yellowish, wispy hair, his fingers trembling as he did so.
"He's....perfect." He whispered in awe.
The doctor smiled.
"Have you thought of a name?" The doctor asked softly.
Risa's lips curled into a gentle, tired smile as she gazed down at her son.
"Ray...."
"His name is Ray." She said softly.
"Ray....." Shinjo repeated the name under his breath, testing how it felt on his tongue.
"Our son.." A warm smile broke across his face.
"Our little Ray of light." Tears slipped down Risa's cheeks, but these were not of pain - they were of unbrindled happiness.
Shinjo chuckled softy, wiping a stray tear from his own cheek.
"He's going to be something special, Risa. I can feel it." Shinjo said, with a big smile.
As the nurses moved around them, checking on Risa's vitals and ensuring Ray was healthy, the new parents were lost in their own world, staring at the miracle they had created. The world outside didn't matter at this moment. All that mattered was the tiny heartbeat nestled against Risa's chest.
After some time, once the exhaustion had settled in and the initial excitement softened into a peaceful warmth, Shinjo pulled his chair closer to Risa's bedside. He rested his chin on his own hand, watching his wife and newborn son with tender eyes.
"What do you think he'll be when he grows up?" Shinjo asked, his voice hushed as if speaking too loudly would disturb their perfect moment.
Risa chuckled softly, still crading baby Ray close.
"Maybe a doctor, like the one who helped deliver him." Risa said.
"Or a businessman. Maybe he'll take over one of your family's businesses." Shinjo smirked.
Risa raised an eyebrow. "My family? What about yours? He is a Shigeyoshi, after all."
Shinjo laughed. "Fair point. Maybe he'll be a lawyer like my uncle. Or maybe a musician. You always did say he kicked to the sound of music during my guitar playing."
Risa shook her head.
"He'll be whatever he wants to be. As long as he's happy." Risa smiled fondly.
They sat in comfortable silence, enjoying the warmth of their little family. Then Shinjo perked up.
"We should call my family. Let them know the good news. They'll want to celebrate." Shinjo happily suggested.
Risa nodded sleepily. "And we should start planning for his nursery. We'll need to renovate the house, add another room just for him."
"And maybe a vacation? Just us three before things get too hectic." Shinjo hummed in agreement.
Risa chuckled. "Already planning trips for our newborn?"
"Of course." Shinjo said, his tone light.
"He deserves to see the world and feel its goodness." He added.
As the night stretched on, Risa drifted off to sleep, Ray still safe in her arms, while Shinjo kept watch, a protective and loving gaze never leaving them. This was the beginning of a new chapter of their lives - one filled with hope, love, and the boundless possibilities of the future.
And in that moment, nothing else mattered but the tiny heartbeat that had changed their lives forever.