Emily was sitting on the bed, legs crossed over a rumpled quilt, scrolling idly on her phone when her water broke in a sudden, warm gush. For one stunned second, she stared at the spreading wetness soaking through her nightgown and sheets, heart pounding in disbelief—No, not yet, this is too soon—her breath freezing in her chest.
Then the first contraction hit like a freight train, sharp and relentless, ripping a raw cry from her throat that echoed off the walls. All five of her partners froze mid-motion in the bedroom, eyes snapping to her.
"Uh-oh," Reyes said softly, voice tight with sudden worry.
"Don't say uh-oh!" Emily snapped, clutching the sheets in white-knuckled fists, her body already trembling as panic clawed up her spine. "Why would you even say that? Get it together!"
