Chapter 22: Uncertainty and Fear

Ashley's eyes locked onto the doctor, panic rising in her chest. "Why did he have to leave?" she asked, her voice trembling. The doctor, who had been checking the monitor, turned to Ashley with a reassuring smile. "We need to do a vaginal exam and get you set up for the epidural. It's standard procedure for the partner to step out during this time." But Ashley was unconvinced. She felt a sense of unease wash over her as she watched the doctor and nurse exchange a glance. "What's going on?" she pressed, her voice growing more urgent. The doctor's smile faltered for a moment before she replied, "We're just getting everything ready for the next stage of labor. Don't worry, everything looks great." Ashley's eyes narrowed. She didn't believe the doctor. She could sense that something was off. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice low and suspicious. The nurse, who had been quietly observing from the side of the room, stepped forward. "We're just getting you prepped for the epidural, ma'am. It will help with the pain." But Ashley was beyond reassurance. She was convinced that they were hiding something from her. She tried to sit up, but a wave of pain washed over her, forcing her back onto the bed. The doctor quickly moved to her side. "Ashley, I need you to stay calm and focus on your breathing. We're almost there." Ashley's gaze locked onto the doctor, her eyes pleading for honesty. "Please, tell me what's going on. Why did Avan have to leave?" The doctor hesitated, and for a moment, Ashley thought she saw a flicker of concern in her eyes. But then, the doctor's mask slipped back into place, and she smiled reassuringly. "I told you, it's just standard procedure. Avan will be back in as soon as it's safe." But Ashley wasn't convinced. She felt a growing sense of unease, and she was determined to get to the bottom of things. She took a deep breath and tried to focus on the doctor's words, but her mind was racing with worst-case scenarios. What were they hiding from her? And why had Avan been forced to leave?