A sharp, intense pain shot through my lower back, making me double over. I gripped the edge of the kitchen table, trying to breathe. Another contraction, the third one in half an hour.
Too frequent, too painful. My due date was just one day away, but until the last moment, I had hoped I had at least a couple more days. With trembling hands, I searched for his number on my phone.
Vadim. Just one word that had brought a smile to my face this morning now sent me into a panic. He had left for an important meeting with investors two days ago. He said it would solve all our financial problems.
The phone rang for a long time. Finally, he answered. Loud club music was playing in the background.
“Vadim, I think it’s starting,” I exhaled, trying to get through another wave of pain.
The contractions were getting closer together.
“Please, come. I’m scared.”
A moment of silence hung on the line, broken by a high-pitched female laugh very close to him. My heart skipped a beat.
“Ksyusha, are you serious?” his tone turned icy. “Your timing is always terrible. I’m dealing with a life-or-death situation, and you come with your… problems.”
“What situation, Vadim?” I was breathing heavily. “Can you hear me? I’m in labor!…”
