Big family

Four months later

The moment had finally arrived. Petal was at home, in a tub of warm water, surrounded by soft, candlelit light. She was in labor, contractions wracking her body with increasing intensity.

Ethan was there beside her, his hands steady and reassuring on her back. He alternated between rubbing her back and holding her hand, offering words of comfort and encouragement, trying to ease her pain as much as he could.

Petal could feel the contractions getting stronger and more frequent, the pain building into a relentless wave that crested higher and higher with each passing moment.

But Ethan's presence was a calming anchor, grounding her in the midst of the pain and fear. He was a steady, unwavering source of strength and reassurance, and she clung to him like a lifeline.