Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Pain seared through my abdomen as I gripped my husbands hand. He kept his eyes on the doctor, glancing at me occasionally, "You're doing great, honey, just keep pushing."
I felt pain sever my nerves, nearly blacking out quite a few times. It lasted what felt like years, and as soon as I heard a child crying, a smile spread on my face, tears and sweat curving around it. I closed my eyes, my chest heaving as I tried to catch my breath. I heard the chatter of some doctors and they rushed my newborn across the room to clean her up. James stayed by me, leaning down and kissing me, "You did amazing."
"I love you, James."
"I love you too."
James slid a panel to me, "Look. She's going to look just like you."
I chuckled, kissing his hand, "I just hope she's as smart as her daddy."
"I'm sure she'll be smarter. We're naming her after you, regardless."
I laughed, wincing a little, "Oh please, James, don't curse her like that."
"What do you mean? I love your name."
I pursed my lips and he smiled, leaning down to kiss me again. I raised my head, trying to get a glimpse of my daughter. After a moment, i flopped back in defeat. He sent me a reassuring smile, and moved to stand next to me, crossing his arms and tapping his foot anxiously. I felt something within me churn, and my vision blurred. I weakly extended a hand out to James, "James... James I don't think... I don't feel so good." He frowned a little, and looked where my legs were propped up, a whispered curse leaving his lips as he rushed off, "Doctor! Doctor, get over here now!"
I felt my heart squeeze, and a small scream ripped through my throat. I heard James yell something about Cardiac Arrest, and I felt my soul grow heavy. He stood over me, holding my hand, and cupping my jaw, "Hey, hey, keep your eyes open, for me, okay, honey?"
I felt my lids grow heavy and James repeated his words, a tear making it's way down his face as he practically begged me to keep looking at him.
