**Chapter 4: Losing Control**

Dorothy tried to take another step, but her legs wouldn't cooperate. The pain in her back was getting worse, and she could feel her body starting to betray her. She tried to hold on, but her legs gave way, and she started to collapse. Time seemed to slow down as she felt herself falling to the ground. She was aware of her surroundings, but her body was no longer responding. She was terrified and disoriented, unsure of what to do. All she could do was wait for the inevitable. As she hit the floor, Dorothy felt a wave of fear wash over her. She was scared, and she didn't know what was happening. She tried to cry out for Lucas, but her voice was caught in her throat. Panic set in as she realized she was losing control. Her body was doing things she couldn't control, and she was powerless to stop it. The warm liquid that had trickled down her legs seemed to be spreading, and she could feel her clothes growing wet and cold. She shifted uncomfortably, trying to find a position that would ease the pain, but it was no use. The pain was getting worse, and she could feel her body contracting, squeezing her uterus in a way that seemed to be getting tighter and tighter. Dorothy's mind was racing as she tried to process what was happening. She wasn't due for another few weeks, and she had been feeling fine all day. How could this be happening now? She thought about all the things she had to do, all the preparations they had yet to make for the baby. But as she lay there, she knew that none of that mattered now. All that mattered was getting through this moment, and she was struggling to do just that. She felt like she was losing herself, like she was disappearing into the pain and fear. She tried to focus on her breathing, but it was shallow and rapid, and she could feel her heart racing in her chest. Just as she thought she was going to lose control completely, she felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her, catching her in mid-air. She opened her eyes to find Lucas's concerned face staring back at her. His eyes were wide with worry, and his face was etched with concern. But before he could even react, Dorothy's body gave out, and she felt herself slipping into his arms. She was aware of his warmth, his strength, and his love, but she was too far gone to do anything but cling to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, holding on for dear life as her body continued to betray her. Lucas's face was inches from hers, his eyes locked on hers, and his voice was shaking slightly as he spoke. "Dorothy, I've got you. Just hold on, I've got you." His words were like a lifeline, pulling her back from the edge of panic and fear. As she looked up at him, Dorothy felt a wave of relief wash over her. She knew that she was in good hands with Lucas, and that together, they could face whatever was happening. But as she looked into his eyes, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held, and what was about to happen.