He stood by the car as I got out with Ava, and he approached us, saying, “You’re back!”

My dad had a strong impression of Atlas, mainly since the latter had visited my dad at the hospital twice. My mom said, “Hello, Mr. Atlas, please come in! I’m sorry if we kept you waiting.”

“That’s okay, Mrs. Laura. I just arrived,” he said with a smile. When he saw me carrying Ava, he asked, “Can I help?”

I was surprised as I stood rooted, not knowing what to say. However, Atlas had already approached me, saying, “Let me hold her.”

His gesture made me feel like crying for some reason. He reached out for Ava, but it seemed he didn’t know how to take her from my arms.

“I can manage,” I said.

“You can give her to me. You look like you’re struggling,” Atlas insisted, and I could only pass Ava to him.

From his stiff and awkward posture, I knew he had never held a child. Still, he was earnest, like he was handling a delicate item. I almost laughed at his awkwardness and went to help adjust his pos