[for ariel and lily] dated to December 24

While her discomfort had begun some time in the night, waking her irregularly and forcing her to change positions often, it wasn't until some time after dawn that Anne realised these weren't the same kind of false contractions she'd been experiencing from time to time over the past couple of weeks. They were more regular now, a little stronger, and as she had already just passed her due date it seemed likely this was not another false alarm.

Still, she didn't say anything for a little while for it would still be some considerable time before the baby came anyway and she wanted to be quite sure this was time. Instead she sat quietly at her sewing machine - which was not at all as easy as it once was! - and put the finishing touches on a few items for the baby she'd been working on. It seemed she was going to need them very soon. Finally the early contractions grew too distracting for even that simple task, and she moved from the sewing machine to sit in a sturdy nearby chair.

"Ariel?" she said.