Month Six: Week Twenty-Two
Isla was in a meeting when the pain started.
Sharp. Radiating across her abdomen. Different from the Braxton Hicks contractions Dr. Reeves had warned her about.
Worse.
She tried to ignore it. To focus on Dmitri's presentation about the new shipping routes.
But the pain intensified. And her lower back started cramping.
"Excuse me," Isla said, standing carefully. "I need—I need a moment."
She made it to her office before doubling over.
Not cramping. Contractions. Real ones. Regular ones.
Too early. Way too early. Sera wasn't due for three more months.
Isla called Dr. Reeves with shaking hands.
"I'm having contractions. Every five minutes. Regular. Painful."
"How far along are you?"
"Twenty-six weeks."
"Get to the hospital immediately. This could be preterm labor. We need to stop it if possible."
Luca drove. Fast. While Isla sat in the backseat timing contractions and praying.
