Elara had gone through a difficult labor, but the couple’s joy was boundless when the doctor announced the birth of triplets. As the babies were handed over, Julian’s excitement turned into confusion and then disbelief. The babies were of African descent, an undeniable fact that made Julian’s heart sink. He felt devastated, unable to wrap his head around what he was seeing. The maternity ward, once filled with happiness, now echoed with Julian's silence.