**Chapter 5: Fading Light**

As the excitement of the baby's arrival began to wear off, Dorothy's exhaustion started to take its toll. She leaned her body against Lucas, feeling the weight of her labor bearing down on her. Lucas wrapped his arms around her, trying to support her, but he could feel her body starting to sag. "Hey, you're okay," he whispered, trying to reassure her. "You're safe now." But Dorothy's response was barely audible. "I...I'm so tired," she whispered, her voice trembling with fatigue. Lucas held her close, trying to keep her upright. "Just rest, baby," he said. "You're done. You've done it." But as he looked into her eyes, he saw her gaze starting to glaze over. Her eyelids began to droop, and her head nodded forward, her chin dipping towards her chest. "Dorothy, no," Lucas said, his voice low and urgent. "Stay with me, okay?" But it was too late. Dorothy's body went limp, and she slumped against Lucas, her weight almost too much for him to bear. He caught her, holding her close as he tried to keep her upright. Blanche rushed to their side, concern etched on her face. "Dorothy, can you hear me?" she asked, her voice firm but gentle. But Dorothy didn't respond. She was losing consciousness, and Lucas could feel her body going slack. "Lucas, help me," Blanche said, her voice low and urgent. "We need to keep her awake." Lucas tried to rouse Dorothy, shaking her gently. "Dorothy, wake up," he said. "Please, baby, don't go to sleep." But it was no use. Dorothy's body was shutting down, and she was slipping away from them. As Lucas held her close, he felt a surge of panic. He had never felt so helpless in his life. He looked at Blanche, who was trying to keep Dorothy's eyes open, but it was no use. Dorothy's body went limp, and she collapsed against Lucas, her weight almost too much for him to bear. He caught her, holding her close as he tried to keep her safe. The room was silent, the only sound the baby's gentle cry. Lucas looked down at Dorothy, his heart racing with fear. He had never felt so scared in his life. "Blanche, what do I do?" he asked, his voice shaking with panic. But Blanche just shook her head. "I think we need to get her to a hospital," she said, her voice firm but calm. "Now."