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In the heart of Glenn Allen, a tranquil suburban haven, life unfolded like a captivating chapter in a romance novel. The community breathed with an air of familiarity, where white picket fences framed picturesque homes and blossoming gardens adorned the streets with a kaleidoscope of colors. It was a place where time seemed to slow down, allowing the residents to savor the simple joys of life. Nestled amid the rolling landscapes, Glenn Allen's scenic charm was only matched by its warm-hearted inhabitants.
Neighbors were more than mere acquaintances; they were characters in each other's stories, united by a shared sense of belonging. Every morning, the aroma of freshly-brewed coffee wafted from open windows, inviting casual chats over picket fences and impromptu gatherings on front porches. Children's laughter echoed as they cycled along sidewalks, weaving tales of their own adventures. Sometimes, on their way to school, they would skin their knee or discover they had an aching tooth.
A neighbor could fall sick. Another could have a heart attack. Or a visiting family member would want to ensure everything was working perfectly with their body systems. That's where the biggest hospital in Glen Allen came to play…
Yeah, my hospital. It started out small after the partnership, but with the introduction of the subsidized healthcare plans, we experienced people coming from downtown and the surrounding neighbors flooding the hospital. Even after the subsidy was reduced to make sure my husband's and his brothers' vast pockets remained vast, we ensured the stability I had always wanted. So, the first goal had been achieved, and after a year the hospital sustained itself.
****
"Goal!!!" the men's voice echoed. We were having a family picnic at Crump Park.
"Why are we doing the barbeque again, aunt Stacy?" Chloe asked as Olivia and I watched over the meat on the grill.
"Because some people don't know how to lose on purpose!" I yelled at the three brothers, who had brought a ball to play with the other dads.
"I love you too honey," Ethan yelled back.
Ian kicked the ball to him. He tried to stop the ball with his feet, but the ball pulled him along, and he fell.
"Adorable klutz," I said and rolled my eyes.
"You love him still," Olivia teased.
"I'm more worried about Jason turning out like him," I sighed.
My son, who was a year and a half, watched his father and uncles play from the comfort of my father's thighs. The boy and his grandfather turned to look at me almost in perfect sync, and they flashed a smile. I was relieved if he ended up like his grandfather instead but still have his father's smarts and skills. I still remembered how his birth went.
Ethan stood by as he watched the process. His hand held mine and whispered words of encouragement. But it didn't sound like they were for me.
"Come on Ethan, you've got this. You've helped a lot of women give birth," he said. "You already know what it's going to look like. You don't have to be scared. She knows what she's doing. Everything's okay. You're okay. She's okay."
If that was his idea of trying to make me feel better, it was actually working because I completely forgot about the impending pain.
"Ethan?" I called.
"Yeah?" You don't have to worry about me, I'll be fine.
"Yeah, I know," he looked at me like I had said nonsense. "I'm more worried about how this will go."
"You better watch the crowning," I reminded him.
He didn't have to do it, but I thought it would be funny to watch.
"I will, just let me know when you're ready to start pushing," he said.
"Ethan… I've been pushing," I said, "Labor started ten minutes ago."
"Fuck," he cursed and I laughed.
I focused and squeezed his hand.
I felt his kiss against my forehead, "Make us proud parents."
"Thank you," I said softly and resumed pushing.
"Sir, there's crowning," Allison announced.
He walked over to the end. I expected him to collapse, but he took over the delivery, aiding our son's entrance into this world. After I delivered and the nurses concluded their checks, I held my child.
