GENERATION

"Push Ari, push!" Arthur gripped his wife's hand, pushing her sweaty hair back with his other hand.

"I hate you!" She shouted, her normally calm face twisted with the effort of birthing.

"I know, I know," He winced as she gripped his hand tighter, "Now, push!"

"Gnahhhh!" Ariadne screeched with one last attempt of pushing before she heard the baby's wail.

"Just a little farther now, good, good," Muttered the aging doctor, "Here she is."

He held up, a squirming, bloody, beautifully pink, baby girl, before whisking her off.

Another nurse hurried briskly up beside Arthur, holding an official looking document.

"So, let me start of saying congrats. And what are we naming this bundle of joy?" She paused, pen poised above the paper.

"Allidia Colette." They said in unison, as one voice.

"Oh how pretty and unique. Allidia Collette Callahan?" She repeated for clarification.

Arthur nodded, half listening, watching the doctor clean his baby girl.

"I'll leave you to it." The nurse turned on her heel and squeeked down the hall.

"Here is your little girl." The doctor suddenly appeared, gently placing the now cooing baby into Arthur's arms.

"Oh Ari. She's so beautiful." He breathed, staring into her green-brown eyes as the squiggled in his arms.

"Can I have her?" Ariadne asked softly, gazing lovingly at her husband.

"Of course." Arthur carefully lowered the quiet baby into the waiting arms of his wife.

"She's gorgeous." Ariadne held her close to her own face, taking in her small, delicate features.

Arthur smiled, "You're gorgeous."

"Arthur?" She whispered.

Arthur crouched beside Ariadne and Allidia, his brow furrowed in concern, "What?"
"I wish Cobb could've seen this."
He nodded, pressing his forehead against hers, "I know."