istant chatter of children playing. Inside a small but cosy one-bedroom apartment, Luci Mechanzi, a 22-year-old woman with striking brown eyes and dark, wavy hair, stood in f

m. It was later that night when Luci first felt it. A sharp pain in her lower abdomen, so sudden it took her breath away. She sat up, pressing a hand to her stomach. Dotan stirred beside her. "What's wrong?" Luci took a deep breath. "I... I don't know. It hurts." Dotan was up in an instant, turning on the bedside lamp. His eyes searched her face, concern knitting his brows together. "Should I call the doctor?" Luci shook her head. "It's probably nothing." But deep down, she wasn't so sure. The pain continued through the night, growing stronger with each passing hour. By morning, Dotan had had enough. "We're going to the hospital," he announced. Luci wanted to argue, but the next wave of pain left her breathless. She nodded. Dotan dressed quickly and helped her out of bed. He lifted her into his arms effortlessly, carrying her down the narrow staircase to where his cab was parked. "You'll be fine," he reassured her as he placed her in the front seat. Luci clutched her belly, whispering a silent prayer. Dotan drove as fast and carefully as he could, and before long, they arrived at the hospital. The hospital smelled of antiseptic and anxiety. Nurses in pale blue uniforms walked hurriedly through the halls, their voices blending with the beeping machines and distant cries of newborns. Dotan held Luci's hand tightly as they waited in the emergency room. He hadn't let go since they arrived. A doctor finally approached them. He was an older man with grey hair and kind eyes. "Mrs. Mechanzi?" Luci nodded weakly. "Come with me," the doctor said. Dotan helped her to her feet. "Your husband can wait here," the doctor added. Luci looked at Dotan, panic flickering in her eyes. "I'll be right here," he promised, kissing her forehead. Luci took a deep breath and followed the doctor. It felt like hours. The examination was uncomfortable, the questions endless. When the doctor finally spoke, Luci felt like the air had been knocked from her lungs. "You're in early labour." Her heart sto