Another contraction shakes me and I let out a stifled cry. Dylan squeezes my hand tightly, offering me all the support he can.
"You're doing an incredible job, Michelle," the doctor encourages me. "One of the babies is already in position. Just a little more."
The words of encouragement are a momentary balm, but the pain is so intense that I feel overwhelmed.
I gather every fragment of strength I have left. I scream, and feel my body finally give way. A pressure, a momentary void… and then, the powerful cry of one of my babies breaks the air.
Tears blur my vision. Dylan kisses my forehead tenderly as the doctor holds the baby and hands him to the nurses to be cleaned.
"The first one is here!" announces the doctor with joy.
"You did it, sweetheart…" Dylan whispers, choked with emotion
