It was early evening. I was washing a dish at the sink when the crashing began. My abdomen tightened into a knot, and I felt a sharp kick of pain downward between my legs. I gripped the counter and thought, No. It was too early. I wasn’t ready. The apartment was not clean. I had to leave it immaculate. I began to tidy, thinking of what I had to do before leaving for the hospital. I was sure I’d be able to get it all done except the laundering of the bedding. I was sure they would smell me – the heat of my small yet burgeoning body imprinting the linens. I hoped that I would be able to return to the apartment. Sheets must always be left clean.
I didn’t have much time to contemplate. The next wave crashed into me, knocked me to the ground. The tightness began at my back and wrapped around
