Perry Mason and Della Street had been married for a year and a half. They were expecting their first child to enter the world at any moment. In fact, that moment was now. "Perry," Della said softly. The man didn't budge. "Perry," she said a bit louder as she nudged him. Another contraction hit, "Perry!"

Perry startled awake and saw his wife sitting up, in pain. "You okay?"

"I'm in labor," she said.

When the pain had passed, Perry helped his wife get dressed. He sat her back on the bed while he dressed. Her bag was already in the car. When Perry was dressed, he walked over to his wife. He helped her up and helped her out of the apartment. They were in the elevator when she felt another pain. Perry placed a comforting hand on her back. "Just breathe, dear." The doors opened on the ground floor and Perry held the door as the contraction subsided. He took her hand and helped her to the car. Upon arriving at the hospital, Della was taken to a delivery room and sedated. Perry was left in the waiting room. Within a few hours, the doctor walked out. Perry stood with anticipation. He then noticed the look on the doctor's face. "What happened?"

"Della's fine, but..."

"But what?"

"I'm sorry, but your baby was stillborn."

Perry was frozen. He couldn't find the words. "Um, how's Della?"

"She's still sedated."

"So she doesn't know?"

"No," the doctor said. "You can page me when she wakes up and I can tell her."

"Thank you, but I think that I should tell her."

"We're putting her in a room. I can take you back."

The doctor led Perry to Della's room. The woman was lying in her hospital bed, asleep. "Um, doctor," Perry said as the man was leaving.

"Yes?"

"What was the baby?"

"A boy," the doctor said softly. "Again, I'm very sorry."

The doctor left and Perry sat down next to his wife's bed. He had no idea how he was going to tell her. He did pick up the phone to make a call. "Hello?" the person on the other line said.

"Paul, it's Perry."

"Hey," Paul Drake said excitedly, "so, any news?"

"I need you to do me a favor. You see, the baby was stillborn."

"What? Oh, man. I'm so sorry, Perry. How's Della?"

"Still sedated," he answered. "She doesn't know yet."

"How are you?"

"I honestly don't know. Listen, I need you to go to the apartment and remove anything that was for the baby. I don't want Della to see it when we go home." He paused for a moment, "I don't want to see it."

"You've got it. Keep me updated and let me know if you need anything else."

"Thanks, Paul," Perry said before hanging up.

Della started to stir. "Mmm," she turned her head and opened her eyes, "Perry," she smiled.

"Hey, how do you feel?"

"A bit drowsy and sore. What did we have?"

"Della, about that." He took her hand in both of his and leaned in to be closer to her. "Darling, I'm so sorry, but the baby was stillborn."

Della's face fell, "no," she said.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart."

"No, the baby couldn't have been stillborn. I felt the baby move just a few hours ago."

"Della, he's gone."

"He?"

"Sweetheart, please, just listen to me."

"Where is he? I want to see him."

"Della," Perry looked at her sympathetically.

She started to cry, "I'm so sorry, Perry."

"What are you sorry for?"

"It's my fault."

"No, it's absolutely not your fault."

"It has to be. I had to have done something for him to be taken after carrying him this whole time."

Perry stood and sat on the edge of the bed, "it is not your fault. We'll get through this. I promise you." Perry and Della held onto each other as she cried. Perry waited until he went home to release his emotions. Paul had gotten rid of everything. Perry hadn't wanted to leave his wife, but he wasn't permitted to stay. He knew the hospital was keeping an eye on her, but that didn't erase his guilt.