“Agatha!”
Her mother’s frightened voice echoed through the house, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps climbing the stairs. Agatha immediately lifted her head from where she sat beside the window. The panic in her mother’s voice sent a cold chill through her.
She placed one protective hand over her swollen stomach and slowly pushed herself to her feet. Her body felt heavy now that she was so close to giving birth, and even the smallest movement required more effort than before.
Before she could reach the bedroom door, it flew open. Her mother rushed inside. Her face was pale. Her breathing was uneven. Fear filled her eyes.
“Mother?” Agatha asked, forcing herself to remain calm despite the alarm rising inside her. “What happened? What is going on?”
Her mother hurried toward her a
