Everything is pain. Sharon trembles with the force of it all, her blonde hair roughly pulled back away from her face leaving damp streaks across the pillow. She bites her lip, drawing blood as the force of the muscular tide rolls over her and threatens to wash her out to sea. Out to sea, drifting on a pale green ocean of light and softness, blending in with the creatures of the deep.

Sharon shouts as she sits up quickly, finally giving in and begging for the pain relief. It is quick. Still more pain that is s t a r t i n g to soften up just a bit. When it is over there is a sharp cry then a short meet-and-greet and then blessed silence and finally, finally, sleep.

Sharon meets them soon after. They enter her room, bringing with them the newest member of their family. Sharon is truly happy for them, though she feels the slight twinge of loss after so long. It is good, though. It is sad that there are people in the world who always have what they truly do not deserve: this is her way of giving back to those who have the capability to love more than she does. This is not a wasted tribulation, but a life-affirming gift that she helps bring into the world.

The new couple allow Sharon to hold the baby and she smiles down at the child, already feeling the disconnect; but proud, oh so proud that she could make someone else’s dream come true. “What did you name her?” She asks in a quiet voice, finding it strong.

“Samantha Marie.” A male voice answers; all Sharon can see are the lovely blue eyes shining back up at her. She nods at them, satisfied even though she has no say. Her heart is so full it feels as if it would burst. She loves them all in this moment and she could not be more pleased. After Bryan’s death she thought her heart a used up, dried husk of a thing that could no longer sustain life. She was wrong.

One more soft kiss to new skin covered in a fine mantle of golden fuzz. “Thank you,” they say to her as they leave. “You are amazing.”