“I’m admitting myself under section four of the municipal health charter.”

“The Vance family attorneys submitted written notice about legal custody and unpaid admission fees,” the clerk said, holding up her hand to cut me off.

“The Vance family doesn’t own St.

Jude Hospital,” I said, laying my signed county hardship waiver right over her tablet screen.

“Call Dr.

Marcus Thorne.

Tell him I’m in active labor and admitting myself under emergency charity protocols right now.”

Brenda locked the wheels of the chair behind me and rested her hands firmly on my shoulders.