"COME BACK-" she yelled, panicked. Jarlon hurriedly turned back to her and grasped her hands, "I'm here,"
Jarlon felt helpless as he watched Barbara suffer through another contraction. "Is there anything I can do?" he asked, feeling useless.
Barbara let out a scream and clutched Jarlon's hand tightly. "Just be here with me," she said. "I need your moral support."
"Ow, okay, so… strong grip," Jarlon muttered, wincing but refusing to let go. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze back.
Jarlon looked genuinely distressed momentarily, glancing between her face and her stomach. He wasn't used to seeing Barbara this way; her usual strength was overshadowed by the vulnerability of her pain. But he steeled himself, determined to keep her spirits up.
"Okay, okay," he said, leaning in, "so ther
