“Another one is coming,” Megan screamed, her body tensing as her abdomen tightened.

Dr. Harris stepped into the room, snapping on a pair of latex gloves.

The sound of the rubber snapping was loud in the quiet room.

“Alright, Megan,” the doctor said, her voice calm and steady. “I need you to focus for me.”

“It hurts, Jake,” Megan sobbed, her head thrashing against the pillow.

“I know, honey,” I said, leaning down to press my forehead against hers. “I’m right here. Just breathe.”

Outside, the Chicago wind rattled the thick glass of the hospital window.

Rain was starting to smear against the pane, blurring the lights of the city below.

For the next two hours, the room was a blur of pain, sweat, and bright lights.

Every time the heavy wooden door to the delivery room opened, my head snapped around.

Every footstep in the hallway made my muscles tighten.

I kept waiting for my mother to push the door open.

I kept waiting for her cold, smiling face to appear in the doorway.

“One more big push, Megan,” Dr. Harris said, her face serious.