the first day of the rest of my life

It was clear to Henry that Josie didn't want her mother here, but he couldn't say anything about it. He didn't want it haunting him, years later.

As it was, her mom was on one side. Henry was in a recliner next to the bed.

Just when he thought he'd get situated in his sweat pants and I'M THE DAD Tee, the doctors and all said they were ready for the epidural. Naturally, Henry googled it on  his phone. He winced more.

He didn't know if he liked the sound of that, but Josie managed that she was ready.

Henry guessed he was.

It wasn't about 15 minutes or so, maybe sooner, the harsh pain of hard labor started. Henry only gasped. He didn't want to see Josie in so much pain. He tried his best not to show it, but he really wasn't sure he was much help. Even if she held on to his hand so much.

He heard her say to her mother that she hated her perfume. Oh, she said a lot of hateful things. Henry nursed his bottom lip. What would she say to him? Honestly, he had no idea Josie was this strong. There were moments he thought she might take him down into the bed and pull his hair.

She did pull his hair. Actually.

The hours seemed endless and yet near the end, he was ready for anything. Then the doctor said PUSH. He thought it would be all over then. But it wasn't. More minutes to endure. Well, past an hour.

He was up all night into the next day.

Was it lunch time, already? He looked at his watch. His stomach growled.

Finally the moment arrived. And it happened.

The baby wailed so. Before he knew it, they asked if he would cut the cord. Which was elating yet disgusting.

He was sure he'd kneel over, but he didn't. He watched them with the baby. Although, there was so much inside Josie that needed to be rid of now. But she was awake. The baby was awake. All he could see were dark eyes. Pink skin.

He smiled. Oh, she was an Allie to him, but Josie would have to decide.