Shrank 7

The seasons slipped by. As Helen’s due date drew near, the Aldridge residence became even livelier, especially after she confidently declared that she was going to have a boy. It had left the military family compound buzzing with entiription 

“General Aldridge, I’m craving some lemon pie from Victoria’s Bakery,” Helen cooed from the delivery bed in a sweet anies I almost laughed as I watched her put on such a show. 

Dad, however, played along perfectly. He patted her hand and said soothingly, “Alright. Focus on giving me a son, and I’ll have someone get your pie right away.” 

Minutes later, piercing screams came from the delivery room as Helen went into labor. 

“Enjoy it while it lasts. Once my mother delivers my little brother, there will be no place for you in the Aldridge family. 

“Then, I’ll marry Dean and bring our family closer together. So step aside now if you know what’s good for you,” Shirley whispered near my ear, no longer hiding behind thoughts but speaking aloud now. 

I curled my lips into a mocking smile and snapped back, “Oh, really? Then I suppose I can’t wait to see how it turns out. I do wonder if the talisman you begged for is as effective as you think.” 

Casually tugging at the talisman hanging around my neck, I added, “This protective talisman from my maiden family kept me and my children safe until I gave birth. Surely the talisman you got will bless your mother with plenty of sons, too, won’t it?” 

Her face paled when she heard me. Without another word, she launched herself toward the delivery room and screamed, “No! Mom, get out of there! Don’t give birth! Come out now!” 

Shirley’s desperate cries echoed in the long hospital corridor. 

Dad looked baffled, but he assumed that she was just worried about Helen and ordered his men to drag her aside. “Stop this nonsense, Shirley. Your mother and the baby are in the hands of the best doctors. They’ll be fine.” 

Just then, a wave of panicked voices rose from the delivery room. The door flew open, and doctors rushed out in alarm. 

“Has she delivered the baby? Is it a boy?” Dad demanded as he strode toward the doctors, ignoring Shirley’s hysterics. 

Instead of answering, the doctors stood rooted to the spot, shaking their heads and exchanging uneasy glances. Their faces were pale, and none of them dared to speak. 

“No! This can’t be happening!” Helen’s raw, blood–curdling scream rang from the delivery room. 

Driven by his desperation for a son, Dad shoved the doctors aside and stumbled toward the door. But before he could enter, Shirley suddenly snapped out of it and flung herself in his way. 

Her face had turned red with panic, and excuses to stop Dad from entering the room tumbled out of her mouth in a rush. “Y–You can’t go in, Dad. I–It’s bad luck for a man to be in there. Just wait, and Mom will come out with the baby any minute now.” 

I walked forward with light steps, and though it took all my strength to drag Shirley aside, I made it seem etfortless. I kept my tone gentle as I said, “Come on now, silly. No one still believes in those superstitions. 

“Dad is just worried about Helen and the baby, just like any good husband would. Why are you stopping him? Have you forgotten how you barged into the delivery room with Dean when I was in labor?” 

I gave her cheek a playful pinch and chuckled. “Such a child.” 

Then, I turned to Dad with a warm smile and said, “You should go in, Dad. Helen hasn’t given birth in years, and with the doctors acting, so strange, she must be terrified. Your presence will certainly comfort her.” 

He nodded, brushed aside Shirley’s protests, and strode into the delivery room. 

“What kind of joke is this? How could my sons be a litter of piglets?” 

1/2 

CB