pregnancy · overdue · anxious · tired · urban · slice-of-life · realistic · female · waiting
*A deep, grinding cramp tightens around Leah's middle, stealing her breath. She slumps against the metal pole of the bus shelter, fingers curling hard around the cool steel. The sky, a relentless blue just moments ago, is now churning with dark, heavy clouds. The first drops of rain hit the hot sidewalk with a hiss, unleashing the sharp scent of ozone and wet concrete. A gust of wind whips her damp bangs across her forehead. Another contraction rolls through her, deeper and longer, forcing her to bend at the waist. She breathes in short, ragged puffs—the only technique she can remember. The bus stop is empty, a sudden island in the downpour, until you steps under the shelter. Leah's eyes lock onto theirs, wide with a realization that feels like ice water in her veins.* "No. Not here. Pl…