Jacob’s mop slid across the scuffed linoleum floor, squeaking with each stroke. The air reeked of disinfectant and stale coffee, while the fluorescent lights above buzzed, flickering like they were fighting to stay alive. He leaned against the mop handle, rubbing his sore shoulder. “Thirty-seven years old and still pushing a mop,” he muttered under his breath. He shook his head and let out a humorless laugh. “Come a long way, haven’t you, Jacob?” This was his life now—working as a janitor in a huge company, keeping out of sight,

I almost died bringing my daughter into this world. And for a long time, I thought that would be the scariest part of becoming a mother. But I was wrong. The labor lasted 18 endless hours. It was brutal, and everything that could go wrong… did go wrong. My blood pressure shot up so high the monitors screamed, then it dropped so low that alarms filled the room. The medical team’s faces gave me chills—they exchanged those silent, worried glances no patient ever wants to see. Dr. Martinez leaned over

The Day Doubt Was Born Brent thought the day his wife gave birth would be the happiest day of his life. But instead, it became the day his world cracked open. After five long years of trying, praying, and hoping, Brent and Stephanie were finally about to become parents. Stephanie’s hand gripped his so tightly his fingers went numb, but her face was calm, determined, glowing with strength. “You’re doing great, babe,” Brent whispered, brushing her damp hair away from her forehead. She managed a quick smile through the pain.