A Quick Detour

Dorothy filled up her glass with ice-cold water from the fridge and took a refreshing sip, feeling the cool liquid slide down her throat. She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the taste and the relief from her parched throat. As she opened her eyes, she glanced around the kitchen, taking in the familiar sights of the room. Lucas, her boyfriend, was still sitting at the table, typing away on his laptop, oblivious to her presence. Feeling revitalized, Dorothy decided to head back to the living room to continue watching her show. She walked out of the kitchen, lost in thought, and started to make her way to the living room. The hallway was short, and she was almost there when she suddenly felt a strange sensation. At first, she thought it was just her imagination, but then she felt it again - a slight trickle of liquid, followed by a gush. Her water broke. Dorothy's eyes widened in shock as she realized what was happening. She was in labor. Panic set in as she tried to process the situation. She wasn't due for another few weeks, and she was completely unprepared. She tried to take a step back, but her legs wouldn't cooperate. A sharp pain shot through her lower back, and she felt her knees buckle. She tried to hold on, but her body betrayed her. She felt her legs giving way, and she started to collapse. 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. Just as she was about to hit the floor, 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. "Dorothy, what's happening?" he asked, his voice shaking slightly. Dorothy tried to respond, but her voice was caught in her throat. She was too shocked, too scared, and too much in pain. All she could do was look up at Lucas, her eyes pleading for help. Lucas seemed to understand, and he quickly took charge. He gently laid her down on the floor, trying to make her comfortable. Dorothy felt a wave of relief wash over her as she lay there, her back against the cool floor. As she looked up at Lucas, she saw the fear and uncertainty in his eyes. But she also saw something else - a deep love and concern for her. He was scared, but he was also determined to take care of her. "I'm going to get help," he said, getting up from the floor. "You're going into labor, aren't you?" Dorothy nodded, still trying to process what was happening. She was in labor, and she was having a baby. The reality of the situation was starting to sink in, and she felt a mix of emotions - fear, excitement, and anxiety. As Lucas rushed out of the room to call for help, Dorothy lay there, trying to catch her breath. She was scared, but she was also grateful to have Lucas by her side. She knew that she could face whatever was happening with him.