There was a moment of silence. Miss Weena blinked twice, like an odd owl. “What’s that?”
“My water broke,” Luci said.
“She’s in labor,” Louise said.
“But…” Miss Weena looked betrayed. “You promised.”
Whatever Luci might have been tempted to say, it was lost in a gasp of pain as her body launched itself into full labor, whether she was ready for it or not.
“Here,” Louise said, becoming herself again, only with a voice, “let me help you down.” With a thump, the gun dropped to the floor.
Even nodding was beyond Luci, as a pain tried to twist her spine in half.
“Get some pillows for her, Miss Weena, those right there.”
Miss Weena, after a longing look at the gun, went for the pillows instead, and then Luci felt Louise’s strong arms under hers.
“Careful now, down you go…”
A painful et
