NOT JUST A GIFT

Chapter 3:

A Package To Mr Charles

Charles's eyes fluttered open, and he was hit with the harsh reality of life, his apartment was indeed empty. The silence was deafening, a constant reminder of his failed promises to himself. He stayed back in bed, feeling a kind of pity for himself. Wondering how possible for others to understand his struggles when he couldn't even keep his promises.

Immediately as he was about to sink deeper into his dismay, his phone rang, breaking the silence. It was Alex, his brother, "hi bro," it was nice he heard from his brother at this point which was relaxing for him. Alex continued. "I promise to make it up, I was supposed to have a meeting that was later rescheduled last night that was the reason I didn't call earlier. " Charles appreciated the gesture " Thanks so much Alex, that's so thoughtful of you." Looking sad and angered for his failure.

With a broken heart, Charles went to the bathroom took his shower, and dressed up straight to the kitchen he prepared something to eat, worked on his laptop then slept off. "Oh fuck it's late." Charles got up took his shower got dressed for a night out. Heading to the club hoping to drown his sorrows in alcohol and music. It was indeed a short drive to the club,

Although he couldn't come off the emptiness he was feeling inside as he moved closer to a gift hamper sitting on a table, made with colorful ribbons and a tiny card that read, "Happy Birthday, Charles." His heart skipped and his body began shaking as he approached the mysterious package. There lay an innocent baby sleeping peacefully as swaddled in a soft blanket, her tiny hands curled into fists.

Charles's heart raced with so much fear and anxiety he stared at the baby, his mind reeling with too many questions he giggled. How did a baby end up in a gift hamper? Was this some kind of joke? Who could have done this? But as he gazed into the baby's peaceful face, he was at peace within the storm, This was a dream come true, a chance to redeem himself from all the guilt of not being able to fulfill his self-promise.

With his hands trembling, Charles pulled out his phone and called his brother, his voice barely above a whisper. "Alex, I need your help. There is a baby.....in a gift hamper." Alex's laughter and teasing only made Charles more ratted. "It's not funny, Alex! What do I do?

Alex's tone turned serious, he instructed Charles "Please take the baby to any nearby police station. Which was a no for Charles who told Alex to think "Think Alex, think", as Alex found the right word for Charles. hos.. petal?". The next few hours were a blur of check-ups and tests, all with the evidence that the baby was fine, if not for a bit of overdose of sleeping medicine. As Charles held the tiny little bundle in his arms, a sense of purpose washed over him.

The fluorescent lights at the hospital hummed above them, Emitting a mystical aura on the scene. Charles's heart was filled with love at every glance. Her tiny nose scrunched up in sleep. He felt a sense of responsibility, a determination to care for this tiny human.

As they moved out of the hospital, Charles's mind raced with questions. How would he care for a baby himself? Does he know anything about fatherhood? But one thing he held so dearly in his heart was that he wouldn't let this little being down.

The days that followed were a rollercoaster of diaper changes, feedings, and sleepless nights. Charles stumbled through each task, With every passing moment, he grew More confident. Thank goodness for Google and YouTube, he learned to figure out the baby's cries, to soothe her with gentle whispers and rocking motions.

The baby's coos and giggles became music to his ears and he found himself smiling more lately. Amidst the struggles, this little being had brought light into his darkness, and he was determined to be the best father he could be.

As he rocked the baby to sleep, Charles realized that this unexpected gift had brought him a sense of purpose and redemption. He had been given a chance, and he wouldn't let it slip away.
Little did he know that this was the beginning of a journey that would lead him into discovering through meaning of living a complete life.

As each minute passed into hours and turned into days, and as the days passed, Charles struggled to balance work and caring for the baby. He had never for once imagined how exhausting it would be to care for a tiny human. His initial excitement and joy gave way to frustration and exhaustion.

Inside the room, he muttered to himself, "Why did I for once think I could do this?" Staring at the baby's crying face. " I'm a single man, not a mother!"

He felt like he was drowning in a sea of diapers, feeding, and sleepless nights. His heart raced with anxiety as he tried all means to soothe the baby's cries, but all seemed not to work. At that moment Charles had reached his breaking point. He couldn't do this alone anymore. He needed help and he knew it.

With a newfound sense of determination, Charles started his search for a nanny. He searched online for nanny agencies, determined to find someone to share the burden of childcare. He contacted as many agencies as he could, hoping to find the perfect candidate.

Days later, Charles sat in his living room with his tiny little human interviewing a string of potential nannies. Some were too young, too old while some had no experience at all others were too experienced, but none seemed quite right.

Just when he was about to give up, the doorbell rang. It was Emily, a warm smiling woman with a kind face. Charles knew immediately that she was the one.

As they sat down to talk, Charles felt a sense of relief wash over him. Emily was experienced, kind, and patient - everything he needed in a nanny.

"Thank, goodness you're here," Charles said feeling weightlessness he hadn't felt in ages. "I don't know what I would have done without you."

Emily smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're doing great, Charles you're a wonderful father I must commend. I'm just here to help."