Labor began at night, as expected.
Sophia woke up with a dull pain in her lower abdomen and knew it was time.
“Alex. Alex. Alex, wake up.”
“Mmm. What?”
“It has begun.”
He jumped to his feet as if stung, and ran around the room, searching for his clothes, keys, and hospital bag.
“Just calm down,” Sophia said, even though she was nervous herself.
“The bag is by the door. The papers are in it.”
“The car is in the garage.”
“Yes, yes, I know. I’m just panicking.”
“I panic too,” he admitted.
Sophia smiled despite the pain.
“Then let’s panic together on the way to the hospital.”
They arrived at the hospital on time.
The contractions intensified and by morning Sophia was in the delivery room.
Alex stayed outside.
He wanted to be there, but she refused.
“This is my test. I can handle it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Definitely”.
And she did well.
Clare was born at sunrise – petite, wrinkled, with a shock of dark hair and surprisingly keen eyes.
When the midwife placed her on Sophia’s chest, time seemed to stand still.
“Hello, little one,” she whispered.
“I’ve been waiting for you for so long.”
The child looked at her seriously and attentively, as if recognizing her, then yawned and closed his eyes.
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