170: Endless possibilities

Aurora’s POV

The room was filled with the beeping of monitors and the quiet hum of medical equipment. I lay on the hospital bed, sweat trickling down my forehead, every muscle in my body straining with the effort of bringing new life into the world.

Caden was beside me, his strong hand gripping mine, his presence a steady anchor amidst the storm of labor.

“You’re doing amazing,” he whispered, his voice low and soothing. “I’m right here with you.”

I focused on his eyes, drawing strength from the love and determination I saw there. With each contraction, I pushed with all my might, the pain intense but the goal in sight. Time seemed to blur, each moment stretching out endlessly and yet passing in a heartbeat.

The doctor’s voice broke through the haze. “I can see the head. One more big push, Aurora. You can do this.”

With a final, desperate effort, I bore down, feeling a rush of relief as the first baby emerged into the world. A lusty cry filled the room, and tears sprang to my eyes.