But then the second baby looked up and the same eyes stared back. Her heart jumped. “Stop the car,” Naomi said quickly. Matthew looked confused. “Now I said, stop the car now.” The driver hit the brake and parked by the curb. Naomi opened the door and stepped into the dusty street, ignoring the hot sun that hit her face, but she didn’t care.
Matthew quickly followed her with an umbrella, but Naomi was already walking fast straight toward the woman. When she reached her, the woman looked up, her face full of fear and surprise. She didn’t speak. “Who are you?” Naomi asked, her voice firm. She looked down at the babies again, then back at her. “I’m Anita.
” She crouched slightly, eyes on the twins. They’re yours. Yes, she said, tightening her grip. They are mine. Naomi raised her eyebrows. And where is their father? The woman looked away without saying a word. The air around them was heavy with dust as a car drove past. One of the babies began to cry again. They looked weak, like children suffering from malnutrition.
Naomi’s lips parted, but she didn’t know what else to say. The way Anita cradled the twins, it didn’t feel like a trick. She didn’t ask for money. She didn’t stretch her hand. She didn’t even move. Naomi took a deep breath and looked back at her car. Matthew was still holding the umbrella behind her.
She turned to him. Bring them in. Ma, I said, carry them into the car. Matthew stood frozen. Naomi snapped. Am I speaking Chinese? No, Ma. Matthew stepped forward quickly. Anita looked scared and stepped back. Please don’t take them. I am not mad. Naomi raised her hand gently. We’re not taking them from you.
You’re coming with us. I don’t want to go to the police. No police, she said, eyes soft. I promise. Anita hesitated. Then slowly, carefully, she followed her to the car. Inside the Range Rover, the air conditioner was turned on. The breeze from it kept the twins cool and they stopped crying. Anita sat stiffly, sweat dripping from her forehead, eyes darting around like a trapped animal. Matthew drove slowly.
Naomi didn’t speak much. She just stared at the babies, their hazel eyes closed now, tiny chests rising and falling. She didn’t know what this meant yet, why she felt a connection with the twins. But she knew one thing for sure. This was not a mistake. The car was quiet. Only the gentle hum of the air conditioner filled the space. Naomi sat stiffly.
her eyes glued to the two babies lying on her lap. They were asleep now. Their small faces were peaceful, but their skin was filled with dirt from lying on the street. She could still feel how weak their bodies were when she carried them into the car. Anita sat at the edge of the back seat, her hands folded, her clothes dirty and torn.
Her eyes kept bouncing around the car from the expensive leather seats to the glowing dashboard lights. She looked frightened, like a child who had entered a palace. She had no right to be in. Naomi glanced at her but said nothing. She didn’t know what to say. Her heart felt heavy but her mind was moving fast, too fast. Questions kept piling up in her head one after another.
Who was this woman? Where was she from? And most of all, why did the babies have her husband’s eyes? The car turned into her estate. The long curving driveway led to a giant white mansion surrounded by tall palm trees and a wide fence. The gate opened slowly as the security guard recognized the car. Anita’s mouth dropped slightly.
