One day later, Aria woke up and knew something fundamental had changed.
It was not labor, at least nothing that dramatic. But her belly felt different, like it dropped Lower. She could breathe a little easier, and drawing full breaths for the first time in weeks without feeling like Emma was squishing her lungs. Walking, however, had become even more awkward, with pressure so low in her pelvis that every step felt like Emma might just fall out.
"Emma dropped," Dr. Chen confirmed at the appointment that afternoon, after examining Aria thoroughly. "She's moved down into your pelvis, getting into position for birth. This is called 'lightening' or 'dropping,' and it's one of the final preparations your body makes."
"Does that mean real labor's soon?" Aria asked, hope and fear warring in her
