“I’m in labor, and Nathan just left. I need to get to the hospital, fast.”Within minutes, Carla was by my side. Her presence was a balm on my frayed nerves. She helped me into her car, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos swirling around me. As we sped toward the hospital, she kept me talking, distracting me from the pain and fear.

Arriving at the hospital, the medical staff whisked me away, their efficiency reassuring. Carla stayed by my side until they took me to the delivery room. Alone now, I tried to focus on my breathing, on the imminent arrival of my baby. But Nathan’s absence loomed over me like a dark cloud.