These doors or gates were by no means a physical one. In a universe Syndesi knew nothing about, Eve and Ethan were looking forward to their firstborn.

“If only Eve could see Levi...”

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.

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I could remember every scene so clearly like it was yesterday. It was...hell.

“You are doing a great job Eve! Hang in there! I am here for you!”

She was grasping my arm so tight I could feel her fingernails piercing through my skin. But how could this pain mean anything when I saw her grit her teeth as she endured the agony. I couldn’t do anything but to be right beside her. I wanted to encourage her but momentary silence was what she needed the most.

It was a long and mentally-draining journey of 8+ months for our child, her and I. But the time had finally come. I was anxious and excited to see the fruits of our labour. Before I knew, we arrived at the hospital.

She could no longer hold in the pain. I couldn’t fathom the torture she was going through as I watched her scream and shriek in response to the alternating waves of intense contractions. It was the first time I had ever seen such a strong-willed woman like her violently expressing the pain she was going through. We reached the hospital at 10am and it was an agonising 8 hours wait after the established labour. I didn’t want to leave her alone for a second but I had to get her some food to eat to last through the day. I got the midwife to look after her and rushed to get some fruits and an isotonic drink for lunch.

At 6pm, the gates of the abyss started to open. It was the sound of Pandemonium ringing in my ear.