Time moved toward midnight. Edwin had deliberately kept the lamp burning in the room. His eyes remained fixed on Jasmin as she slept, her breathing steady and calm. He could still hear the doctor's words from earlier, that Jasmin was enduring severe contractions far stronger than ordinary cramping low in her abdomen.
"If this continues, the risk of miscarriage is very real. The pregnancy is already five months along. Both mother and child are in danger. She must not carry worry or stress. Let her find peace. Keep her far from anything that might stir anger or distress." Edwin nodded heavily as the doctor finished speaking and left the room. He stepped inside to find Jasmin fast asleep, the medication having pulled her into deep rest.
"What am I to do with you?" he thought. "You hav
