In room 302, Nurse Brenda checked my wristband, asked who I wanted contacted, and helped explain what the team was doing.

Nobody required David’s permission to assess or treat me.

I was able to speak for myself, and I told them what I wanted.

My pregnancy was approximately thirty-four weeks along, earlier than the rough “another month” I had said in the kitchen.

There were contractions and symptoms that needed observation.

The staff reviewed the baby’s heartbeat, my vital signs, and the history I gave them.

They did not diagnose the whole night from the stain on my skirt.