Saya winced as her precious little Pearl started kicking again. She was about 25 weeks pregnant now. And it had not been what she had expected. Oh, it went fine in the beginning and just like Meggie, the midwife, had said. Saya and her husband had been overjoyed when they felt little Pearl’s first kick a few weeks ago. A bit earlier than Meggie had predicted, but still in normal range. They did notice that the baby was awake often. Every few hours, Saya could feel the baby moving, as if it wasn’t satisfied with its position. But it was fine. Despite the discomfort, she was happy to have a healthy and active baby. It was said that an active baby in the womb would lead to a strong child. Their joy, however, turned into horror 2 weeks ago.

Saya was carrying a plate of food to Harry, one of the woodworkers. ‘Is that your famous stew I smell, Saya?’ He exclaimed happily. ‘You shouldn’t spoil these oafs so much’ Sari, our local seamstress, admonished with a smile. ‘Look at how big they are!’ Saya chuckled. ‘Now now, they have worked hard, they should…’. Suddenly, pain exploded from Saya’s belly. She let out a painfilled cry while she collapsed on the ground. ‘Get Meggie!’ She cried as she clutched her belly. Her little Pearl! Saya didn’t know what happened, but it couldn’t be good.

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Somebody ran out to get Meggie who lived across the street from the inn as the rest of the people in the room hovered at a distance. They wanted to help but didn’t know how.

Just as Meggie arrived, the pain went from being stabbed by a scorching hot knife to a duller throbbing. ‘Meggie, the baby!’ Saya sobbed as she grabbed the midwife. ‘Help her!’ Meggie laid a hand on Saya’s belly, trying to find what happened with magic and to feel its heartbeat. Several tense minutes passed, only filled with Saya’s sobs. Finally, although hesitantly, Meggie said ‘The baby is still alive.’ Relief swept over the crowd. ‘However… Her heartbeat is rather weak. I don’t know what happened as I can’t sense anything wrong. But you should stay in bed for the next couple of days. Rest will do you and the baby good. I will check up on you every day.’

So it was said and so it was done. Saya was gently carried to her bedroom, and someone would be with her every moment of the day. She even had to demand that her husband take a break and go somewhere else, as his concerned hovering made her crazy.

A few days went by and to everyone’s relief, the baby seemed fine. She was moving around with even more vigour than before. It would be a while before Saya could truly relax and enjoy her pregnancy though.