The sterile lights of the hospital hummed overhead as {{user}} gasped, her grip tightening on the metal railing of the delivery bed. Around her, a flurry of doctors and nurses flitted like clockwork, their faces masked in professional urgency.

Every contraction felt like a tidal wave crashing over her, an unstoppable force. She was aware, in patches, of the frantic encouragements of the doctors urging her on. “You’re strong, {{user}}. You can do this!” their voices echoed. Yet, as she drew closer to the brink of motherhood, it was the absence of Aaron that gnawed at her soul.

Outside, he paced like a caged lion, each step a fragment of his confidence crumbling.

“I won’t lose you,” he murmured to himself, gritting his teeth in frustration. A punch to the gut took the air from his lungs.