Beni pressed himself against the hallway wall. Evelyn and him had saved so much to buy this house. Newlyweds, carefree…thinking that this home would hold a future for them. To fill it with children, and grow old together in. Instead, he stood there, looking around, hardly able to breath as he heard noises come from the bedroom. Standing there, his hand reached for his chains and finally found the silver cross. Clutching it, he closed his eyes and softly began to pray.

Moments later he was disturbed when Rosie, along with two other handmaids and the midwife came running by him. Opening his eyes, he watched as they carried pots of steaming water and towels. The door opened for a second, long enough to see the doctor holding Evelyn down. He saw that the sheets and pillows had blood stains all over them. He watched as the doctor's firm hands held his wife's head as she began to shake, tears spilling down her eyes in pure pain. Cries were heard as the door was shut again. Standing there, nearly falling into shock, he prayed to God that he wouldn't take his Evelyn away.

It's still early, seven months…seven months isn't long enough.

He thought to himself. He remembered when he was a child, nine or so and how his younger sister was born a few months early. He remembered the screams of pain that came from the tent, and how his father stumbled out, his sleeves soaked with blood. His sister had been stillborn, his mother died shortly after the birth. From that moment onward, Beni was no longer a child…just another lost soul trying to survive. Still holding his cross, he prayed that Evelyn would be okay. That nothing would happen and she would be fine.

Then…

He remembered the night they first kissed.

They were on the roof of the library, one warm star lit night. Both walked around, looking down at the city before he held her hand. Looking up, her eyes almost seemed scared.

"I've…I've never been with a man before."

She whispered softly under her breath. After a moment of silence, he smiled and leaned in. Their lips toughing, as his hands held her. From that point onward, he knew he was in love.

Screaming snapped him out of his peaceful memory. Looking down the hall, he watched as the doctor walked out, his white button up shirt with small flickers of blood. Wiping the sweat off his forehead, he stared at Beni.

She's gone into labor, it's in their hands now.

Beni walked forward, his heart pounding in his chest. His eyes so small and terrified. He looked at the doctor, hardly unable to speak.

Doctor…will she die?

He choked out. The doctor looked at him before simply shaking his head.

I don't know…

Beni!

Both men turned, looking at the bedroom door as his name was called out again. A horsed weak cry, filled with pain.

Oh Beni help me!

Beni ran to the door before the doctor could take his arm. Bursting through, he saw Evelyn sitting up in bed. Sheets all around her as the midwife and nurses worked. Her entire face was pale white, smears of old blood still around her mouth as she gasped for air. Looking at Beni, frozen in the doorway, her eyes seemed to light up for a second. Beni started forward, seeing the midwife and Rosie had Evelyn's legs spread. She tried breathing, before more tears ran down her face.

Beni!

That's when the midwife turned, her face filled with anger.

Get him out of here!

The doctor was behind him, taking his arm before he could touch his wife's hand. Keeping his eyes on Evelyn, he saw how scared she looked as he was being taken away. Reaching out she cried for him to stay, looking so helpless and alone.

Evelyn!

No, you must leave them alone!

The doctor pulled Beni out before the midwife told Evelyn she had to start pushing. Seconds later the door slammed, and the two men were left alone in the dim lit hallway.

She needs me!

Beni cried, struggling to free himself from the doctor's grip. But he stayed firm. Holding him he looked straight into his face.

You mustn't, leave her be…

Beni then heard through the door, the midwife yelling for her to push. Then Evelyn's helpless cries, telling them something felt wrong. Before he could try to open the door again, the doctor lead him downstairs.

Hours went by…

The doctor had poured Beni and himself a drink. They sat down in the kitchen, crickets softly chirping in the background. Every once and a while screams would be heard from upstairs. Making Beni look in the direction of the stairs. He had no idea what he would do is something happened to Evelyn…he really didn't.

That's when they hears somebody walk down the stairs. Jumping up, nearly knocking over his chair, Beni ran to the landing with the doctor. There the midwife stood, her face set like stone, and her hands and arms covered in blood. Beni felt tears build behind his eyes, breathing hard he finally cleared his throat.

Is it over?

The midwife slowly nodded.

You have a daughter Mr. Gabor, we had some trouble getting her breathing, it seemed as through the cord was wrapped around her neck.

And Evelyn?

She's lost a great deal of blood, the labor was hard…worst then I've ever seen, I would ask the doctor to give her something to ease the pain now?

But is she okay?

The midwife slowly shook her head.

I don't think she'll make it that long now, her time is short.

Beni blinked a few times, he couldn't believe it.

No…

He muttered under his breath before running up the stairs. The midwife tried to stop him, but he shoved past, screaming out her name before he slammed open the bedroom door. Breathing hard, eyes darting back and forth, he saw his beautiful Evelyn laying on the freshly made bed. Two of the nurses were stuffing the blood soaked sheets away. She laid there, covered up, pale and weak. Beni stood there, unable to speak before her eyes fluttered open and stared at him. There was silence, before she tried to smile. Right away Beni felt his heart drop as he rushed over towards her. Right away he fell to his knees before leaning over and placing his hands on her feverish face.

My love…

Did…did you see her?

Just then there was a faint cry behind them. Beni looked over his shoulder and saw one of the nurses holding a tiny little thing, still covered in blood. The thing wiggled and cried. A noise that made Beni feel like he was dreaming. Looking at it, his mouth half open. He looked back, a smile coming up from his face.

Evelyn's limp hand was taken by Beni as he held it and began kissing it. Smiling he looked at her.

Isn't she beautiful Beni…isn't she?

Yes, yes…

Evelyn tried to smile before she began coughing again, blood coming up. Moments later the doctor was by her side as the midwife forced Beni out. Sitting in the hallway, he heard the baby cry.

He was a father now.

It seemed so unreal.

Then his thoughts went back to Evelyn, he knew she was dying now. This had taken the last strength out of her. Bowing his head as he sat on the floor, tears began to fall. Why did he let this happen? Why couldn't things have been different?

The doctor came out along with the midwife, they explained Evelyn was resting.

Is there anything you can do for her?

Beni softly asked, looking up at the two.

The doctor shook his head.

I've done all I can, the best we can do now is make sure she's comfortable.

Beni knew he was crying, but couldn't feel it. Everything spun around him. He couldn't take anything in. He felt like he was trapped in some nightmare in which he couldn't wake up. Slowly he nodded as the doctor and midwife left him.

The next morning, he slowly walked into the bedroom to see her.

The doctor and nurses had stayed with her during most of the night. Finally now, the house was peaceful, waiting almost. The old grandfather clock that Evelyn's aunt had bought them as a wedding gift, began to chime downstairs. Walking in, he saw the windows were open. The thin curtains blowing back and forth from the gentle morning breeze.

Rosie was across the room, leaning over the bassinet. Slowly walking in, he saw Evelyn laying in bed. The color of light snow. Peacefully sleeping there. Watching her for a moment, he sighed. She really did look just like an angel.

A thin cry was heard before Beni glanced over his shoulder. Rosie smiled at him before he walked over. Both talked in low whispers as Beni leaned over and looked in the bassinet. There sleeping was his daughter. Wrapped up and looking up with her tiny eyes. Beni couldn't help but laugh. His heart ached at that moment as he looked down at the child Evelyn had wanted to badly. Just then he understood why she had taken the risk.

The baby squirmed a little before Beni smiled at Rosie. Nodding, she placed her hand on his shoulder in a small understanding and left him.

Now alone, he turned around and walked over to his bed. Kneeling down beside Evelyn, he danced his fingers across her face. Slowly her eyes fluttered open before weakly smiling at him.

Hello there…

Beni smiled, holding onto her hand.

Have you seen her?

Beni nodded.

She's beautiful, just like you.

Evelyn looked into his eyes, still happiness cutting through all her pain.

You have to take care of her Beni, she's part of us.

Beni felt tears working up as he clutched her hand.

Please don't leave me, I can't.

You can and you will…your strong, I can see that now.

Beni kissed her hand before struggling not to start crying. Looking at his wife he sighed. This pain in his heart seemed to be getting worse.

I'll screw it up, I'm scared.

Shhh…don't be, you'll be a good father.

Beni held her hand against his face.

I think I thought of a name…

You did…

Evelyn smiled.

Azaria…it's not Egyptian, Australia I think…

It's perfect…

Evelyn stared up at him, smiling the two looked at each other.

I love you…never thought I would, but I really do.

Beni held onto her.

I'll always love you my wife.

Bowing his head, he began to cry. Holding onto her hand. Moments later he looked up and saw her eyes shut. Looking so peaceful and still. It took him a second to understand what happened. Looking at her, he waited for her to wake up.

But it didn't happen.

Beni felt himself shake before leaning over, holding her thin body and crying. Moments later he felt Rosie's hand on his shoulders.

Shhh…it's okay.

I want her back, oh God please…

He sobbed.

Evelyn was a lady, and a lady always knows when to leave. Let her go…

Beni raised his head, his eyes bloodshot from crying as he looked down at his wife.

Just then, the baby faintly began to cry.