The cashier finally snapped out of his daze and made the emergency call. Kevin continued to reassure the woman, softly speaking to her, trying to keep her focused and calm. “You’re doing great. What’s your name?”

“Anna,” she gasped between contractions.

“Anna, you’re doing amazing. Help will be here soon,” Kevin promised, although inwardly he was calculating the time it would take for an ambulance to arrive. In a rural area like this, especially with the roads as icy as they were, it could still take some time.

Minutes felt like hours as they waited, but finally, Kevin heard the distant sound of sirens approaching. He sighed in relief, knowing that professional help was almost there. When the paramedics arrived, they quickly took over, assessing Anna’s