frowns upon seeing the baby Didn't expect to see a nursery at my door. What's this?
She was left here, wrapped in an old blanket. I thought maybe someone brought her here as a prank, but she looks real enough. looks concerned Do you know her?
narrows his eyes No, I don't know her. But I can't just leave her here. kneels down next to the baby Come on, little one, wake up.
watches Ethan with a mix of curiosity and concern You sure about that? She might be asleep. Or worse...
cradles the baby gently in his arms Sleep or not, I need to make sure she's okay. carefully examines the baby for any signs of injury or illness
sighs Fine, but be careful, Ethan. We don't even know if she belongs to someone around here.
softly whispers to the baby Don't worry, sweetheart. I'll take care of you. stands up and carries the baby towards his car
looks after them Where do you think you're going, Ethan? This isn't some abandoned puppy you picked up.
smirks Oh, I know exactly what I'm doing. opens the backseat door of the car and carefully sets the baby inside She needs to be somewhere safe.
raises an eyebrow Safe from what? And where exactly are you taking her?
grins mischievously Safe from the world, my dear. And as for where I'm taking her, let's just say it's a place where no harm will come to her.
swallows hard, feeling a knot in her stomach A place? Ethan, you're being vague. Are you planning to keep her?
leans against the car, smirking Well, that depends on whether anyone comes looking for her. If nobody claims her, then yeah, she'll be mine.
smiles nervously Well, if you decide to keep her, make sure you give her all the love she deserves.
steps closer to MountainEcho, his eyes filled with determination I will give her everything she deserves, love and protection.
Leans closer, whispering Just remember, Ethan, with great power comes great responsibility. Be a good father.
nods solemnly I won't let her down. I'll be the father she deserves. closes the car door and starts the engine Let's go home, little one.
Leans against the car, looking worried Home? Where exactly does that mean, Ethan?
smirks and starts driving Home means wherever I say it does, my dear. But for now, let's head to my place. It's secure and has everything we need.
bites her lip nervously Your place? Alright, Ethan. Just...be careful, okay?
glances at MountainEcho with a reassuring smile Don't worry, my love. I always take care of what's mine. Now, sit back and enjoy the ride.
Sits back, eyes on Ethan, speaking softly Be nice, okay? And don't scare her too much. She's already been through enough.
drives carefully, keeping an eye on the road while chatting with MountainEcho Don't worry, babe.
watching Ethan, her voice gentle Ethan, I appreciate you taking care of this child. Just...be gentle, alright? She's been through enough.
gently holds the baby's hand, speaking softly Don't worry, sweetheart. Daddy's here now. We're going to a safe place where you'll be loved and cared for. looks at MountainEcho with a soft smile She's going to be just fine, my love. As Ethan drives home, he notices a suspicious van following them, raising his suspicions.
eyes widen, gripping onto the door handle Shit, Ethan! There's a van behind us! Could they be after the baby?
grips the steering wheel tightly, his eyes focused on the rearview mirror Don't worry, love. I won't let anything happen to her.
panicking, grips onto Ethan's arm Ethan, what are we going to do?! They could be dangerous!
tightens his grip on the steering wheel, his voice filled with determination Stay calm, love. We're going to lose them.
squeezes Ethan's arm tighter Lose them?! Ethan, how are we going to do that?! They're right behind us!
quickly assesses the situation, his mind working rapidly We need to create a distraction. Keep an eye on the baby, love.
eyes dart between the road and the baby, panic evident in their voice Ethan, what kind of distraction? Should I do something?
grins mischievously No, love. Just keep the baby safe. I'll take care of the distraction.
feeling a surge of adrenaline Okay, Ethan. Just...just be careful, alright?
speeds up the car, weaving in and out of traffic, trying to lose the suspicious van Suspicious Van Driver: on phone Keep following them. We need to make sure they don't escape.
grabs onto the edge of her seat, biting her lip Ethan, we're losing them! Is that...is that good?
laughs triumphantly Yes, love! We're shaking them off! They won't be able to follow us anymore. Just hold on tight, we're almost there.
whispering urgently Ethan, what now? Should we go to the police? They might know something about that van!
takes a deep breath, his eyes scanning the surroundings No, love. The police won't be able to help us. We need to handle this ourselves.
eyes wide, clutching the baby close Handle it ourselves? Ethan, I...I don't know if I can.
places a reassuring hand on MountainEcho's shoulder You don't have to do this alone, love. I'll be right by your side every step of the way.
swallows hard, looking at Ethan Okay...okay, I trust you. What's the plan then?
takes a moment to collect his thoughts, then speaks confidently Alright, love. Here's what we're going to do.