CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE – A NEWBORN

Kyle's face lit up. "The baby's coming today?" she exclaimed, a spark of excitement replacing her initial worry. "Looks like it," Madison confirmed. "Go back to sleep, though. We'll call you when we have news." With a reassuring nod, Kyle disappeared back into her room. Ethan returned, his face etched with concern. "The car's ready. Can you walk?" Madison tested her legs, the contraction subsiding for a moment. "I think so," she said, taking his arm for support. The drive to the hospital was a blur. Each contraction felt like a vice tightening around her abdomen, stealing her breath away. Between groans, Madison clutched Ethan's hand, finding comfort in his silent strength. "We're almost there," Ethan encouraged, his eyes glued to the road even though his voice betrayed his own anxiety. Finally, the bright lights of the hospital emerged from the darkness. Relief washed over Madison, a fleeting sensation as another contraction hit her. Ethan pulled up to the emergency entrance and