The clock on the wall ticked louder than usual. Ann sat alone on the worn-out couch, her feet propped up on a pillow. Her hands rested on her huge belly, now over eight months pregnant. The baby moved inside her, stretching and kicking softly, but Ann could barely smile anymore. She was exhausted. Not just physically but deep in her soul. Her body was tired. Her heart was tired. Her mind was spinning all the time. She tried to stay strong. She tried to eat well, walk when she could, and keep working from home. But lately, everything felt harder. Much harder. Every step felt like climbing a hill. Every breath was heavier than the one before.
That morning, she had tried to get up to make breakfast. Her knees wobbled. Her hands shook as she reached for a bowl. A sharp pain stabbed her lower
