**Chapter 2: Labor Pains**

The room was filled with the sound of Dorothy's heavy breathing and the occasional cry of pain. Lucas was trying his best to stay calm, but he could feel his heart racing with anxiety. He glanced at Blanche, who seemed to be in control, and felt a surge of gratitude towards her. As the minutes ticked by, Dorothy's contractions grew closer together. Blanche was coaching her through each one, and Lucas was doing his best to support her. They were all focused on the task at hand, unaware of the chaos that was about to ensue. Dorothy's face was scrunched up in concentration as she pushed through another contraction. Lucas was holding her hand, trying to provide what little comfort he could. Blanche was on the other side of Dorothy, guiding her through the process. "Come on, Dorothy, you can do this," Blanche said, her voice calm and reassuring. "Just one more push." Dorothy gritted her teeth and pushed again. Lucas could feel her body tensing up as she bore down. He was trying to stay calm, but he could feel his own anxiety building. The contraction seemed to go on forever, but finally, it subsided. Dorothy collapsed back against Lucas, exhausted. "I'm so tired," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Lucas wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "You're doing great, baby," he said, trying to keep his own panic at bay. "Just a little longer." But as he looked at Blanche, he could see the concern etched on her face. "The baby is coming," she said, her voice low and urgent. "We need to get ready." Lucas's heart skipped a beat as he realized that the baby was about to be born. He looked at Dorothy, who was staring up at him with a mixture of fear and exhaustion. "I'm here, baby," he said, trying to reassure her. "I'm not going anywhere." As another contraction hit, Dorothy's body began to tense up again. Lucas held her close, trying to support her as she pushed through the pain. Blanche was guiding her through the process, coaching her on when to push and when to breathe. The room was filled with the sound of Dorothy's heavy breathing and the occasional cry of pain. Lucas was trying his best to stay calm, but he could feel his heart racing with anxiety. He glanced at Blanche, who seemed to be in control, and felt a surge of gratitude towards her. As the baby began to emerge, Blanche's voice grew more urgent. "Push, Dorothy, push!" Dorothy gritted her teeth and pushed with all her might. Lucas could feel the baby moving, could sense that it was almost here. And then, in an instant, it was over. The baby had arrived, and Dorothy was leaning against him, exhausted. But as she leaned her body against Lucas, feeling a sense of relief wash over her, her legs gave out from under her. She felt herself losing consciousness, felt her body going limp. "Lucas, I...I think it's happening," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Lucas wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "It's okay, baby," he said, trying to keep his voice calm. "You're safe. The baby is here." But as he looked into her face, he saw that she was fading away. Her eyes were glazing over, and her body was going limp. Lucas's heart skipped a beat as he realized that Dorothy was losing consciousness. He called out to Blanche, his voice panicked. "Blanche, help! She's passing out!"