The Algorithm

Let it be

At 2:45 on a Thursday Mary Parkers abdomen sparked with pain. She could feel liquid pouring down her legs and it hit her. She was starting to give birth. The day was just like any other. The sun was shining the wind blowing. Richard has just left to get her favorite ice cream, Mint Chocolate chip. She had begged him and he of course gave in. Even though the shop she had wanted it from was across town he had still gone. Panic set in as she realized she needed to get to the hospital immediately. 

Beep

Beep

Beep

Beep

"Hey it's Richard Parker, sorry I'm not available right now. But you can leave a message at the tone. Thanks!"

Her veins froze and she dialed the number again. The line rung one, twice, and finally on the third ring he answered. 

"Hi Honey! Sorry i left my phone"-"

"Richard you have to come back right now" 

"What's wrong?" His voice filled with worry. God, Mary could just imagine his expression his eyebrows arched in worry as his face scrunched. "I'm Giving Birth" She said her words slightly wobbling as the pain seared her body. Tears filled her as they threatened to spill. 

"Ok, ok, ok It's just like we practiced. breathe in and out. don't worry i'll be right there. Just stay calm. I love you." His voice was warm and full of love. It was full of excitement and Panic. Screams filled his ears as the contractions continued the pain intensifying. Outside she could hear the rain start. It started light but soon it started pouring. The call never ended.

"Honey It's going to take longer the storm delayed the roads. Just please hang on for a little while" He said. He gripped the steering wheel tighter as the panic began to set in.His wife was giving birth and here he was stuck in Traffic unable to help her. The pain was unbearable Mary barely whimpered out a "Mhm Please just hurry up".  The rain didn't stop pouring. Impossible as it seemed it got louder and harder. 

At 4:34 Richard Parker made it home. He opened the door and ran like his life depend on it. The ride to the hospital was unnervingly quiet. The only noise was Marys occasional whimpering and her husbands comforting words. 

They made it to the hospital and everything was ok.

As the Clock hit 3 am everything froze. Mary heard as her babies heart monitor flat lined. She felt as he stopped kicking. Her world shattered tears spilled as she heard the doctors try to comfort her and explain to her. She sat silent as her husband broke down as he cried. She sat silent, tears slipping as she realized her son died. Her heart broke and she sat helplessly screaming. 

Eight minutes later a miracle happened. her baby had been dead, but eight minutes later his heart started to beat again. It was a miracle, a miracle Mary cherished and thanked God for. Her labour resumed. 

And at 11:07 in the morning Peter Benjamin Parker was born. 

Mary Parker was in labour for 20 hours and 22 minutes. 

As she held her son in her arms she felt an indescribable warmth fill her heart. As she helped her son all the worry and anxiety she carried washed away. She thought that all the pain and worry she experienced was worth it when she saw her sons face. As her husband came in and placed a kiss on her cheek and held their son she thought oh, this must be the life. As she watched them she thought there must be nothing better than this. 

Weeks turned into months and her son was growing. The joy never left her. As she saw Peter, Peter her precious son who she loved with every bit of her soul. She saw him take his first steps and his first word. She fondly planted a kiss on her cheek. His first word being a clumsy warm as he looked up at the sun. 

Her baby turned one and the worry set into her chest. The 8 minutes he had been gone had never been forgotten. It was a miracle all the doctors said once they checked he was healthy. But she knew something had happened. She saw it when her baby never cried. How hours could go by and he would stay silent soaking the world up. As he started silently observing the world. She loved him so much it hurt. But she knew something was wrong. 

The months passed by her worry never subsiding. She knew her husband was worried. She knew they both worried over the nightmares and the staring. God, They both loved Peter so much. They both wanted to help but didn't know how. It crushed them but she stayed strong. She showered him in love and all she could do was watched as he grew.