Chapter 2: Building Tension
Pete's body ached with each contraction, his swollen belly contracting with a violence that seemed too much for his exhausted frame to bear. His legs trembled beneath him, his hands gripping the thin mattress, as if holding onto life itself. He had tried to remain calm and composed, but even the most disciplined stoicism would have crumbled under the weight of such pain.
He called out to Zack, who sat in the corner of the room, engrossed in his studies. "Zack!" Pete cried out, his voice cracking with desperation.
"Zack! I need help!"
Zack looked up from his books, startled. He rose from his seat, concern etched across his face. "What's wrong?"
Pete writhed in agony, his body contorting with every contraction. "It's the babies," he gasped between labored breaths. "They're coming sooner than expected."
Zack's eyes widened in shock. "But... how?