I am yours FOREVER (A Zac and Tom story)

Welcome to the world

*Tom*
I stand by Meri's side, holding her hand firmly as the doctor guides her through the labor. My heart swells with pride and admiration for the woman I love, as she bravely endures the pain and discomfort of bringing our son into the world. I glance over at Lumi, my soon-to-be sister-in-law, and am struck by the incredible bond between these two sisters, both going through this life-changing experience together.

"Alright, Meri, when the next contraction comes, give it a good push". The doctor instructs, her voice calm and steady. Meri nods, her face flushed and sweaty, but determined.

As the contraction hits, she squeezes my hand tightly, her nails digging into my skin. I wince, but refuse to let go or show any sign of discomfort. My pain is nothing compared to what she's going through right now.

"You are doing amazing, love". I whisper, trying to offer her some comfort between contractions. She manages a weak smile, her eyes filled with exhaustion but also an unwavering determination.

I'm in awe of not only Meri, but of all women who go through this incredible process. It's something I can never fully understand or experience myself, and I feel a newfound respect and admiration for the strength and resilience it takes to bring a new life into the world.

As the labor progresses, I do my best to support Meri, offering her sips of water, wiping her brow with a cool cloth, and whispering words of encouragement. I glance over at Zac, who is doing the same for Lumi, even if She is not pressing yet, and feel a sense of deeper camaraderie between us. We are both here to support the women we love as they embark on the incredible journey of motherhood.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the doctor announces that with the next push, our baby's head will come out. Meri looks into my eyes, determination and love shining brightly. I nod, squeezing her hand, ready to face this moment together.

As the head emerges, the doctor asks me if I want to receive the baby. My heart races at the opportunity to be the first one to hold our son, and I eagerly agree. The doctor shows me how to position my hands, guiding me through the process step by step.

With Meri's final push, our baby boy is born into my waiting arms. Overwhelmed with emotion, I carefully cradle him, marveling at the tiny, fragile life we have created together. The doctor hands me a pair of sterilized scissors, and I carefully cut the umbilical cord, feeling a sense of awe at the significance of the moment.

As I gaze down at our beautiful baby boy, I'm filled with an overwhelming sense of love, gratitude, and awe for the incredible woman by my side. Through all the pain and challenges, she has shown me what true strength and love look like. And as I hold our son in my arms, I know that our lives will never be the same again.

*Zac*
I can't help but smile as I watch Tom holding his newborn son, feeling proud and happy for him and Meri. I walk over to congratulate them, but before I can say anything, Lumi tugs at my arm, her eyes wide with urgency.

"Zac, our baby is coming". She whispers, her voice strained.

"Uhm doc, we need you here, stat". I quickly call.

The doctor quickly comes over, leaving a nurse to tend to Tom and Meri's baby. He looks at Lumi, puzzled. "Why didn't you call for me earlier ?" She asks. "The baby is already crowning, and the head is ready to be born".

Lumi just shrugs, saying, "Meri needed you more".

  I want to scold her for not prioritizing her own health, but I know that is just the kind of selfless person Lumi is.

  The doctor quickly gets into position, telling Lumi that if she pushes through, the head can be out in the next contraction. Lumi nods, her face set with determination.

As she pushes, she squeezes my hand tightly, her voice tight with pain. "This baby definitely has your big head, Zac. It feels like I'm pushing out a bowling ball".

Despite the situation, I chuckle, admiring her sense of humor even in the midst of labor. As Lumi continues to push, I stay by her side, offering her encouragement and support. And as our baby's head emerges, I know that our lives are about to change forever.

The doctor starts to ask what I have been waiting for. "Zac, do you want to receive the ...?"

But before he can even finish the sentence, I eagerly interrupt him, saying, "Yes, absolutely. I would love to".

The doctor smiles and quickly guides me on how to position my hands, making sure I'm ready for the incredible moment. As our son is born and I lift him into my arms, he lets out a loud, piercing cry, sounding like the world just offended him.

I can't help but laugh as I look at Lumi and say jokingly, "He might have my head, but he definitely has your voice."

Lumi smiles through her exhaustion, and I can see the love and pride in her eyes as she gazes at our newborn son. "At least he is not a wookie".

As I hold our baby, I feel an immense sense of gratitude and wonder. I have no doubt that the bond between Lumi and Meri has grown even stronger as they have shared this experience. I hope our sons can grow up to have a similar bond even if they are cousins instead of siblings.

With our son safely in my arms, I am still trying to wrap my mind around this. That we actually have a baby, that I am finally a dad. I feel tears Well up in my eyes and I do not care to stop them. Instead I walk over, placing the little boy in Lumi's arms, kissing her forehead. "Thank you, Thank you so much".