45: Choose the child!

Khana's eyes fluttered open to an eerie silence, the kind that made her heart race and her breath catch in her throat. She was in a forest. However, it wasn't like any forest she'd seen before. The trees were tall and menacing, their branches clawing at the sky like skeletal fingers. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decay, and the only sound was the distant howl of wolves.

Her hand instinctively went to her swollen belly, feeling the reassuring movement of her unborn child. "It's just a dream," she told herself, trying to steady her breathing. But it felt so real. Every rustle of leaves, every crunch of twigs underfoot, seemed amplified in the oppressive silence.

She took a tentative step forward, her heart pounding. The forest seemed to close in around her, the shadows deepening with each step. She couldn't stay here. She had to keep moving, had to protect her baby.

As she walked, she became acutely aware of another presence. The hair on the back of her neck stood up, and she felt eyes watching her from the darkness. A low growl broke the silence, sending a jolt of fear through her. She turned slowly, her eyes scanning the shadows.

There, emerging from the darkness, were the wolves. Their eyes glowed with an unnatural light, and their teeth gleamed in the moonlight. They were hungry, and they were hunting her.

Panic surged through her, and she started to run. Her feet pounded the forest floor, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The wolves were close behind, their growls growing louder and more insistent. She could feel their hot breath on her heels, and she pushed herself harder, faster.

She was heavily pregnant, and her body couldn't keep up with the demands she was placing on it. Her legs felt like lead, and her belly ached with the effort. She stumbled over a root, her hand going to her stomach to protect her baby as she fell. She hit the ground hard, rolling over and over until she came to a stop against the cold wall of a cave.

The wolves were at the entrance, their eyes glowing in the darkness. Khana's heart was beating so fast it felt like it would burst out of her chest. She could feel her womb tightening, the pain sharp and intense. "No, not now," she whispered, clutching her belly. "Please, not now."

But the pain only grew worse, and she felt a sudden rush of warmth between her legs. Her water had broken. She was going into labor, and she was all alone, trapped in a nightmare.

In the real world, Richard was jolted awake by the sensation of wetness spreading across the bed. He sat up, disoriented, and looked over at Khana. She was thrashing in her sleep, her face contorted in pain. "Khana, wake up!" he shouted, shaking her shoulder. "Wake up!"

Her eyes flew open, wild and panicked. She looked around the room, trying to make sense of what was happening. "Richard," she gasped, clutching her belly. "My water broke. Call the ambulance!"

Richard's heart skipped a beat. He fumbled for his phone, his hands shaking as he dialed the emergency number. "Please, we need an ambulance," he said, his voice breaking. "My wife's water just broke."

The operator assured him that help was on the way, and he turned back to Khana. She was breathing heavily, her face pale and sweaty. "It's going to be okay," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "The ambulance is coming."

Khana's eyes were filled with tears, but there was a fierce determination in them. She grabbed his wrist, her grip surprisingly strong. "No matter what happens, choose this child over me," she said, her voice trembling. "Do you hear me?"

Richard's heart broke at her words. "Don't say that," he pleaded, tears streaming down his face. "You both will be fine."

But Khana shook her head, her eyes blazing. "I mean it, Richard. If it comes down to it, save our baby. I'll never forgive you if you let me live but our baby dies. I'll... I'll kill myself too."

Richard was sobbing now, his heart aching with the weight of her words. "I can't do that," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I can't lose you."

The sound of sirens cut through the night, and Richard knew they didn't have much time. He helped Khana out of bed, supporting her as they made their way downstairs. The nanny met them at the door, her face pale with worry.

"Is everything ready?" Richard asked, his voice tight with fear.

The nanny nodded, helping Khana into the waiting ambulance. Richard climbed in after her, holding her hand tightly as they sped towards the hospital.

Khana's contractions were coming fast and hard, and she was gripping Richard's hand so tightly it hurt. "Stay with me," she whispered, her eyes locked on his. "I need you with me."

"I'm here," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "I'm not going anywhere."

The ride to the hospital felt like an eternity. Every bump and jolt sent waves of pain through Khana's body, and Richard felt helpless watching her suffer. He wished he could take her pain away, but all he could do was be there for her, hold her hand, and pray.

Finally, they arrived at the hospital. The medical team was waiting for them, and they rushed Khana into the delivery room. Richard was forced to stay behind, watching helplessly as the doors closed behind her.

He paced the waiting room, his mind racing. Khana's words echoed in his head, and he couldn't shake the fear that he might have to make an impossible choice. He sank into a chair, burying his face in his hands. He couldn't lose Khana. He couldn't lose their baby.

Hours passed, each one feeling like a lifetime. Richard barely noticed when the nanny came in, sitting quietly beside him. She put a comforting hand on his shoulder, but he couldn't bring himself to look at her. All he could think about was Khana, alone and in pain, fighting to bring their baby into the world.

Finally, the doors to the delivery room opened, and a doctor stepped out. Richard leapt to his feet, his heart in his throat. "How is she?" he demanded. "How's the baby?" he added.