“How are you holding up, sunshine?” came her mother’s familiar, warm voice. “Mom,” Angelina sniffled into the phone, “I need your help.” “What’s wrong? Are you crying?” Her mother’s tone instantly sharpened with anxiety. In the background, a sharp wail pierced the line. Angelina wiped her face on her sleeve. “Can you give me some quick advice on how to take care of a baby?” “What?” “Mom... I have a baby.” Silence. A silence so long and heavy that Angelina thought the call had dropped. “Angelina,” her mother’s voice was now low and cautious, as if she were terrified to ask, “did you... give birth?” “No! Good heavens, no! Someone left him on my doorstep tonight. Right on the welcome mat. The police already came and filed a report, and I... well, I think I agreed to look after him for now.” Angelina let out a shaky sniffle, trying to catch her breath. “You think?” Her mother didn't raise her voice, but a note of pure steel cut through. “Angelina, are you telling me you found a random infant on your doorstep and just decided to keep him? Do you have any idea what kind of responsibility this is? This isn't a toy!” “I know,” Angelina whispered. “But they wanted to send him to a hospital isolation ward. The local shelter is under quarantine. He’s so tiny, Mom. And he... he just cuddled right up to me. It was like he knew I wouldn't abandon him.” Her mother let out a long, heavy sigh. Angelina knew that sigh all too well—it meant: You’re in a real fix, but I can’t leave you to drown. “Alright,” her mother said. “Tell me everything. How old is he?” “About six months. A boy.” “A boy...” her mother repeated, and a sudden wave of tenderness softened her voice. “What did you name him?” “I... I haven't. Not yet.” “Well, we’ll figure that out. What about food? Did you buy any formula?” Angelina froze. She hadn't bought a single thing. She didn't even have regular milk in the fridge—nothing but a carton of kefir and a couple of eggs. “Uh... Mom, it didn't really cross my mind.” “I knew it,” her mother sighed. “Listen to me carefully. Bundle him up warm and run down to the nearest twenty-four-hour store. Get formula, bottles, and diapers. The clerk will help you out.” Angelina looked over at the sofa. The little guy had stuffed his entire fist into his mouth, his face red and tear-stained. “Well, let’s go to the store, buddy, time to introduce you to the world,” she muttered to herself, pulling the phone away for a second. Way to go, Angie. Barely a college student, and already a parent. “Angelina,” her mother’s voice crackled through the speaker again. The young student jumped, realizing she hadn't hung up yet. “You are a strong girl. You can do this. Your father and I will catch the next train out.” “But you said you couldn't come, and you both have so much work...” “What work could possibly be more important than my own flesh and blood?” her mother replied, a hint of playful mockery returning to her voice. “Especially now that she’s become an accidental adoptive mother overnight.” “Thanks, Mom. I love you so much. I’ll call you later.” “Alright, keep me posted. And don't stress—合理 babies can sense your mood.” After several clumsy, failed attempts to swaddle him, Angelina sank onto the floor, rubbing her tired eyes. “What did I do to deserve this?” she groaned. She looked at the infant, then at her own hands. Clenching her fists, she reached for her phone. She hesitated, wanting to call her mother back, but decided against it. Instead, she opened a video app and typed into the search bar: “Step-by-step guide: how to swaddle a baby.” Dozens of results popped up. Without thinking twice, she clicked the first one. “If you need to swaddle your baby...” a calm female voice began from the speaker. The video was brief but clear. With a visual guide, her movements became more confident, and she finally managed it. The little boy, now snugly wrapped in a cozy blanket, stared up at her in fascination. Angelina quickly threw on her own clothes. But as she was pulling on her winter boots, a fresh wave of crying erupted from the sofa. The baby was overheated and starting to fuss. Hurriedly zipping her jacket, she scooped him up and rushed out into the night. Snowflakes drifted down onto her messy hair. A thought flashed through her mind: It’s a miracle Mom doesn't know I ran out without a hat. If I get another ear infection, I’ll never hear the end of it. The boy, however, giggled as he watched the swirling snow. Well, at least one of us is having a good time. The small, twenty-four-hour convenience store was dead quiet. Finding a store clerk—the kind who usually hover around aggressively offering help—turned into a real treasure hunt. Spotting a young guy stocking shelves, Angelina practically threw herself at him. “Please, you have to help me! I need to buy everything for a baby!” Her frantic, wild appearance clearly startled him. “Whoa, what’s going on?” the clerk asked anxiously, pulling an earbud out and scanning the aisles for security. “I just need all the baby essentials: a pacifier, a bottle, formula, diapers, baby shampoo, body wash... just, everything!” “The baby aisle is right over there,” the clerk said, breathing a sigh of relief. “Will you help me pick things out?” Angelina asked with absolute desperation. “Uh... honestly, I don't know the first thing about baby stuff,” he admitted candidly. Together, the student and the clerk began tossing whatever looked right into the shopping cart. The cashier scanned the mountain of items without a word of comment. “That’ll be 8,700 rubles. Cash or card?” “Card, please.” Angelina tapped her card against the terminal, which responded with a long, ominous beep. “Card declined. Insufficient funds,” the cashier stated in a completely flat, robotic voice. Biting back her tears, Angelina dialed her mother, trying to ignore the judgmental glare the cashier was giving her. “Mom, can you transfer me some money? I’m a bit short. Thanks.” Back in the apartment, Angelina set her phone on speaker. “Roll him onto his side, slide the diaper under his bottom, then roll him to the other side,” her mother instructed. The young woman unwrapped the little one, and he immediately peed all over her like a fountain. “Oh my gosh!” Angelina shrieked. “What happened?” her mother chimed in. “Did he have an accident?” “I’m the one who almost had an accident! He just peed straight onto me!” “It’s a reflex, sweetie. The temperature change triggers it. Next time, lay a clean cloth over him first so he gets used to the chill. You did buy wet wipes, right?” “I’ll buy them tomorrow.” “Just make sure you don't use those harsh alcohol ones on his soft skin. Honestly, you're better off just dampening a clean cloth with some warm water for now.” “Okay, Mom. How much formula do I mix?” “Pour fifty milliliters of water and add the formula with the measuring scoop. Shake it well and let him eat. Afterward, make sure to hold him upright against your shoulder to burp him. And don't forget to throw a towel over your shoulder, or he’ll spit up all over your clothes.” “Got it,” Angelina mumbled. “What are you doing about your classes tomorrow? Do you have seminars or lectures?” “Oh my God, I completely forgot... Lectures. I’ll text the class rep and ask her to give the professor a heads-up. I’ll explain everything to her later.” “Do it right now before you forget. Where are you putting him to sleep?” “I don't know...” “How small is he? Do you still have that big cardboard box your nightstand came in? Maybe you can line it with blankets for tonight? I was just browsing that online marketplace—I forgot the name, doesn't matter, you know what I mean. Anyway, I found a gently used crib and a baby bathtub. I messaged the sellers, but they’re probably asleep by now. You can pick them up tomorrow, I’ll transfer the cash.” “Thanks, Mom. I honestly don't know what I’d do without you.” “Alright, alright, I’ll let you go. Call me if you need anything.” Angelina ended the call. The baby had finished his bottle. She lifted him up against her shoulder, cradling him upright. Her mother’s warning flashed through her mind: Don't forget to throw a towel over your shoulder... But it was too late. A warm stream of formula was already trickling down her dress, while the little boy drifted off to sleep, looking thoroughly content.