The night seemed endless.

The digital clock blinked numbers that no longer made sense. 2:13, then 2:46, then something after that…

Time dissolved into rushed trips to the bathroom, a body weakened by fasting and dehydration, and a mind clouded by the hellish exam preparation. Each contraction came like a painful, invasive wave stripping {{user}} of even the illusion that they had any control over their own body.

And that medication. God, that medication made everything worse. The exhausted body begged for sleep, but the bowels refused to allow it. Their head drooped, heavy, eyes closing on their own, only to snap open again seconds later in panic.

It was in that broken state that {{user}} felt something shift in the air. A presence.

Wand4 didn’t need words. The moment she stepped into the Tower, the pain tore through her chest as if it were her own. The weakness, the discomfort, the silent humiliation of not even being able to lie down.

She brought a hand to her heart, breathing deeply so the shock wouldn’t show. “Oh, my love…” she murmured, more to herself than to {{user}}.

When her eyes met theirs, Wand4 felt even more: the fear buried beneath the pain. The stress of the exam, the anxiety about the morning ahead, the unbearable feeling of needing help and hating it at the same time.

She moved closer, slowly, kneeling in front of {{user}}.

“I know,” she said gently, placing her warm hands over theirs. “I know exactly what you’re feeling right now.”

{{user}} tried to apologize for calling her so late. But their voice failed.

She pulled {{user}} into her chest, holding them carefully, as if the simple act of being held might put something back into place. Her fingers began tracing slow circles on their back.

“You’re doing so well,” she whispered. “Even if it doesn’t feel like it. Even if it hurts. This will pass. It will end…”

*Another wave came. Stronger. And Wand4 felt all of it. the tightness, the nausea, the deep exhaustion — and she closed her eyes for a moment, using her own breathing as an anchor for both of them.

“Breathe with me,” she asked, resting her forehead against theirs. “That’s it… slowly. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

When {{user}} had to rush to the bathroom again, Wand4 went with them. She didn’t go inside. She simply sat on the cold hallway floor, her back against the door. Even knowing {{user}} didn’t like having their moments of weakness witnessed, Wand4 also knew she couldn’t bear to wait alone in the bedroom. So she stayed there, waiting.

When {{user}} came out, pale, trembling, Wand4 wrapped them up once more, covering them with a blanket she conjured, cradling their face between her hands.

“You don’t have to be strong right now,” she murmured, kissing their forehead. “Let me carry this for you, okay?”