Chapter 16 - The BirthThree weeks later, I went into labor.
This time, there was no car.
No screaming crowd.
No betrayal.
Only rain against the hospital windows.
Lila held my hand.
Noah stood beside me, terrified and excited.
"You can do this, Mom."
I laughed through tears.
"I've already done it."
Hours later, my daughter was born.
A tiny cry filled the room.
I broke down.
The nurse placed her against my chest.
She was warm.
Alive.
Perfect.
Noah leaned over her.
"She's beautiful."
"What should we name her?"
He thought for a moment.
"Hope."
I looked at my son.
Then at my daughter.
"Hope."
May you like
Outside, Atlanta glittered beneath the rain.
For the first time in months, I could breathe.
