Patience Heart

Luna Lee

The contractions started before dawn, slow at first but growing stronger with each passing minute. I lay in the hospital bed, staring up at the sterile overhead lights, my heart racing in rhythm with the beeping machines around me. The pain had been building all night, sharp and relentless, but it wasn't the only thing making it hard to breathe. I wasn't just about to give birth; I was about to meet her—Luna.

I glanced over at Mathias, sitting by my side, holding my hand. His grip was steady, his calm presence a lifeline as another wave of pain hit me. I squeezed his hand, harder than I meant to, but he didn't flinch. I leaned into him, my forehead damp with sweat, my heart pounding harder with each contraction. Instead of pulling away, he leaned in closer, whispering softly, "You're doing great, Viola. Just breathe."

His voice was a soothing balm, cutting through the haze of pain that clouded my thoughts. I focused on him, on the way his eyes held mine, steady and reassuring. Every deep breath I took seemed to draw strength from him, and I tried to match my breathing to his, steadying the wild thrum of my heart.

With each contraction, I felt like I was being pulled apart, the pressure building inside me, but Mathias was my anchor. I could see the concern etched on his face, and I wanted nothing more than to ease his worry. "I'm trying," I gasped, feeling another wave of pain wash over me.

"You're doing better than you think," he encouraged, brushing a damp strand of hair away from my forehead. "Just remember what we talked about. This is all part of bringing our little girl into the world."

The thought of Luna grounded me. I could almost hear Adam's voice echoing in my mind, the way he'd once said, "If we have a daughter, let's name her Luna. I want her to shine bright, even in the darkest night." That name felt heavy with meaning now, a promise of light in this whirlwind of emotions and pain.

As the contractions continued, I let the memory of Adam guide me through the pain. It wasn't just about him; it was about all of us—about the life we were creating together. But my heart ached with the weight of Adam's absence. He should have been here, sharing this moment with me. The thought stung, but I pushed it away, reminding myself that Mathias was right beside me, offering support in a way that was both comforting and grounding.

"Just a little longer, Viola," Mathias said, his voice steady. "You're almost there."

I closed my eyes, picturing Luna's tiny face, her little fingers wrapped around mine. I could already feel the pull of her spirit, a connection that transcended the pain. "Luna," I whispered, almost to myself, as if saying her name would bring her closer.

"Luna," Mathias echoed, a smile creeping onto his face. "What a beautiful name. She's going to be strong, just like her mother."

I felt a surge of gratitude toward Mathias. He wasn't just here for me; he was here for Luna, too. The love I had for them both swelled in my chest, filling the void that Adam's absence had created.

The pain intensified again, sharper, and I gripped Mathias's hand tighter. "I can't do this," I gasped, feeling a wave of panic rise within me.

"Yes, you can," he replied firmly, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made me believe him. "You're so much stronger than you realize. Just keep breathing, one contraction at a time. Remember why you're doing this."

Taking a deep breath, I focused on the promise of Luna. I imagined her, this tiny girl who would bear the name of the moon, a name given by a father who loved her even from afar. "I want her to shine," I murmured, my voice shaky but determined.

"You will," Mathias assured me, squeezing my hand back. "You're her mother, and you'll be the light she looks to."

With each passing moment, I felt the pain ebb and flow like the tides, waves of intensity followed by brief moments of calm. I held onto Mathias's words, using them as a lifeline.