It is early morning and Anne is still between sleep and wakefulness when her water breaks. She feels the warmth between her legs and soaking her sheets. She does not immediately rise but continues to lie still and quiet. Her heart pounding a slow steady beat in her chest. She turns her head to the right. The pillow is full and the blanket pulled up neatly. There is no trace of her husband Jack. She cannot even conjure his sleeping face.

The urgent pains start in her lower abdomen and suddenly she realizes she must get up. Must get to the phone or the car or somewhere. Another pain shoots through her as she struggles to her feet and reaches clumsily for the phone. The phone drops from her hand with a clatter. A whimper escapes her. Her mind races. Is she early? What day is it? Can she get to the old Studebaker in the driveway?

Gentle hands are suddenly lifting her up and pushing her back onto the bed. A crooning voice is in her ear. As pain envelopes her again she hears a voice next to her. “Yes, Plano. 2nd house from the right. Hurry!!”

Next Chapter: Lyllian and Frankie; Seattle, 2017