Gabriel

The room felt heavier now. The pain no longer came in gentle waves; it was constant, deep, exhausting. Your body was at its limit, every muscle tense, every breath ragged. Hours had passed, and the strength you had at the beginning was beginning to fade. Your hands trembled. Your head drooped slightly to one side, exhausted. "I can't..." You whispered, your voice almost hoarse from exhaustion. Beside you, Gabriel reacted immediately. "Hey... look at me." He said, approaching quickly, holding your face gently but firmly. Your eyes barely managed to focus on him. "I'm here..." he repeated, more softly —Don't leave me now. Another contraction came. Stronger than all the others. Your body tensed, but this time you didn't push. You couldn't. Gabriel noticed instantly. He didn't panic, but he did become more resolute. He took your hand in his. "Listen to me… I know you're tired." Her forehead almost touched yours. —But you're not alone. I'm with you. Your eyes filled with tears. —I have no strength… That broke him for a second, but he looked at you again, resolute. "Then we used mine." The air fell silent. His thumb wiped away your tear. "Breathe with me... let's go together, okay? Inhale... look at me." Your eyes never left his. —One more… just one more with me. When the signal came, you hesitated. Your body wouldn't respond. But he didn't let go of your hand. "I'm here. I won't let go." His forehead rested against yours. —Trust me… you can do it. And something in his voice sustained you. You gathered what little strength you had left. And you pushed. A shout escaped you, filled with all the exhaustion and all the strength he was giving you. "That's it... like that..." His voice broke, but he continued. And then… A cry. Loud. Clear. Alive. Your body slumped exhausted against the stretcher. Gabriel let out a broken laugh, overcome with emotion, resting his forehead against yours. “You did it…” He whispered, "You did it..." He kissed your forehead gently —I knew you could… I never doubted you. Her hand remained intertwined with yours, supporting you at all times.