Chapter 11
The digital clock on Maya’s nightstand glowed a sharp 3:14 AM. She woke instantly from a light sleep, a sharp, rhythmic tightening in her abdomen leaving no doubt about what was happening. Her water broke just as she sat up against the pillows, her breath catching in her throat for a brief second before she forced herself to stay calm. Remembering David’s promise, she reached for her phone on the bedside table, her fingers steady despite the mounting intensity of the contractions. She dialed his number, and on the second ring, his voice answered with immediate clarity, completely alert as if he had been expecting her call all night. David told her to stay calm, grab her pre-packed hospital bag, and unlock the front door, promising he would be at her apartment in less than ten minutes. True to his word, exactly nine minutes later, a sharp knock echoed through the quiet hallway. Maya, leaning against the kitchen counter with her bag already by her side, unlocked the door and pulled it open. David stepped inside, his face a portrait of focused determination and calm reassurance. He didn't waste time with unnecessary words; he took the hospital bag in one hand, placed his other arm securely around Maya’s waist, and guided her gently down the corridor toward the elevator. The underground parking garage was cold and silent as they stepped out of the elevator into the shadows. David opened the passenger door of his car, laying a soft blanket across the seat to ensure Maya was as comfortable as possible during the short drive to the downtown medical center. The streets were completely empty under the pale streetlights, allowing for a fast, uninterrupted journey to the hospital emergency entrance. Throughout the drive, David kept one hand on the steering wheel while occasionally offering quiet words of encouragement, his calm demeanor serving as an anchor for Maya as her contractions grew closer together. By the time they pulled up under the bright lights of the maternity ward entrance, hospital orderliness took over seamlessly, with nurses rushing forward with a wheelchair to guide Maya inside for immediate admission.
