It took a while before the doctor emerged from the emergency room. "The three fetuses are fine for now," the doctor informed.

"What about the mother? Is she okay?" Jackson asked the doctor in a rasping voice.

"We've administered some medication and kept the situation under control, but you mustn't let the patient get overly emotional again. She can't have another emotional breakdown, or the fetuses in her belly won't make it to the 35th week."

According to the original plan, the doctor advised that it would be better for Serenity to deliver the triplets by cesarean section during the 35th week. During pregnancy, emotional stress might increase the chances of premature water breaking, causing her to go into early labor. A baby born after such an early water break would be unlikely to survive as it would not have had enough time to develop in the womb. Those that do survive would be at increased risk for health problems.

"I know," Jackson responded, but he did not know how to avoid