Before Neverland

March 21st

James kept his grip on Irena's hand. She cried out in pain as another contraction hit. He gently wiped a bit of sweat off of her forehead.

They had rushed to the hospital late at night. Irena had just gone into labor and was ready to be admitted.

James did expect the amount of anxiety he would have. They had talked about it awhile before Irena went into labor.

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"James, is something wrong?" Irena asks, putting her hand on her husband's shoulder.

"Huh? I'm fine, why?" James asks, smiling.

Irena wasn't fooled by his smile.

"James, I know that look. What's bothering you?"

James sighs in defeat. She knew him too well.

"It's about the actual birth..." James admits.

Irena seems confused for a moment before something clicked in her head.

"You're worried about me dying in labor, aren't you?"

James blushes, looking down.
"Yes."

Irena grabs James's face and gently brings his head down so it's resting in her shoulder.

"I'm not going to die, neither will Norman." Irena smiles, running her fingers through his hair.

"Are you sure?" James words seem so small as he shakes slightly.

"Promento." Irena smiles.

James and Irena continue to hold onto each other. Everyone would live.

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Irena let out another cry of pain as the nurse looked under her blanket.

"I can see the head!"

"You're doing great, Rena. Keep going." James whispers.

She cries again as another contraction hits.

"Keep pushing!"

It seems like hours, but finally, their baby is almost born.

"Just one more push, and he'll be out!" The nurse smiles.

James quickly realizes; he'll be a father soon. His life is about to change. His and Irena's. Their child is about to be born.

Irena cries again as she pushes one last time.

Their child is about to be born.

A cry rips through the air.

Irena falls back on the bed, panting heavily.

James listens to the room, looking around in his anxiety.

Norman's born, he's crying. He sounds healthy.

Irena's breathing. She's smiling too.

They're alive.

They're both alive.

James gives a big smile, putting his forehead to Irena's.

"You did it." James says.

Irena only smiles and squeezes his hand.

They can hear Norman's healthy cries from across the room.

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After only a little bit, Irena was finally given Norman.

She cradled the newborn in her arms. He had stopped crying and seemed happier now.