The rain was merciless.
The roads disappeared beneath water.
Oliver drove.
Porter navigated.
Sam stayed beside Alankrita.
Chloe held her hand.
Sara met them halfway at the hospital entrance.
The contractions grew stronger.
Closer together.
Alankrita cried openly now.
She had crossed countries alone.
Survived gossip.
Survived fear.
Survived impossible circumstances.
Nothing had prepared her for this.
"Doctor Aunty..."
Dr. Ellis squeezed her hand.
"You are doing perfectly."
"I can't."
"You are."
"It hurts."
"I know."
Another contraction.
Another cry.
Another hour passed.
Then another.
Then another.