#Chapter 233: Epilogue - Pt. 1

Iris Eight months later… “And that’s why the colors on this side of the color wheel are considered ‘cool’ colors,” I explain to the class of children sitting in a semicircle around me. “They remind us of water, ice, and the sky.” I’m demonstrating on a large color wheel chart when a sharp pain rips through my abdomen, making me pause mid-sentence. I grip the edge of the easel, trying to steady myself as I breathe through it. It passes after a moment, and I force a smile at the concerned faces staring up at me. “Are you okay, Miss Iris?” little Mia asks. “I’m fine, sweetie,” I assure her. That felt suspiciously like a contraction, but I’m not due for another week. I continue with the lesson, determined to finish today’s class. We’re exploring color theory, and the kids have really been enjoying it, I refuse to let a little discomfort—okay, a lot of discomfort—cut their learning short. But then another pain hits, stronger than the first, and I can’t