60. She's in There

The gentle caress of dawn permeated the room, its golden tendrils wrapping around Avla and Gideon, still nestled together on the soft rug by the fireplace. As consciousness returned, she felt the warmth of Gideon's head resting on her hip. His fingers danced delicately on her skin, tracing abstract patterns, lost in contemplation.

Feeling her stir, Gideon glanced up, meeting her eyes with a serene gaze. "She's in there," he whispered, tapping her belly lightly. "I know it."

Avla laughed, her voice soft and melodic in the morning hush. "You sound so certain. And 'she?'"

Sitting up, Gideon exhaled deeply, the weight of a revelation pressing upon him. "I had a dream last night. My mother's spirit visited me. She told me she ensured our child would be a girl. She even mentioned that, surprisingly, my father was thrilled at the idea of a granddaughter."

Avla's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Your mother came to you? Truly?"

Nodding, Gideon continued, "She did. And