Chapter 12: A Shared Burden

Late one rainy evening, Lucia felt the first sharp contractions. She called Mateo, her voice calm but breathless.
Within ten minutes, Mateo arrived at her apartment door. He calmly helped her pack her hospital bag, guided her down the stairs, and drove carefully through the rain-slicked streets to the medical center.
Throughout the long hours of labor, Mateo stayed by her side. He offered quiet encouragement, brought warm towels, and held her hand without hesitation. There were no dramatic speeches, only a steady, reassuring presence.
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When the pain grew intense, Lucia gripped his hand tightly. "Stay with me," she whispered.
"I'm right here," Mateo replied softly. "I'm not going anywhere."