The nurses and the doctor huddle together, trying to alleviate the pain of the new mother.
She is struggling, but the baby’s head is soon sighted.
The doctor cries in approval and the baby slips out, much to the relief of the woman.
She lies back, her hand clasped over the palm of her husband, who is standing next to her, supportive till the last.
The baby starts wailing, as expected, and the nurse takes the child off to be cleaned and tested for any abnormalities.
Several days later, the new mother is holding her offspring close, nearly crying tears of joy at her achievement. Her spouse is feeling no different, sitting beside them and beholding the small human in loving awe.
An unidentified presence hovers outside the window on ethereal wings, and a wan smile crosses its features.
It’ll be no different this time. The little girl will grow up in a flash.
The celestial entity cranes its head to the right, and its eyes catch a familiar sight.
The hourglass’ sand has started sliding.

Slipping away.