As the due date approached, Adele went into downtown Colorado Springs with Betty. The warm sunlight bathed the streets, and the sounds of laughter filled the air, making Adele's heart swell with excitement. She envisioned a future brimming with love for her soon-to-arrive baby as she shopped for essentials.
"This would look adorable on the baby!" Adele exclaimed, her eyes sparkling at a cute baby outfit. Betty, who was browsing alongside her, smiled and responded, "It's so precious! Preparing for the baby is truly delightful."
The two spent a joyful afternoon wandering through the baby supply store, selecting a crib, diapers, toys, and more. Adele felt a thrill of anticipation as she thought about the day her baby would be with Daniel.
"I'll soon be reunited with Daniel. Just the thought of our family being together fills me with happiness!" Adele shared with Betty.
Betty nodded, encouraging her, "That's wonderful! You're going to have a family filled with love!"
"Have you picked a name for the baby, Adele?" Betty asked.
"Yes, I've decided on Iris," Adele replied. "The name came to me while I was admiring a rainbow over the mountains last winter."
After finishing their shopping, Adele took a moment to unwind at a café, sipping a warm drink. The beautiful view of Colorado Springs from the window lifted her spirits even higher. As she looked forward to a new beginning in this place, she imagined a joyful future with Daniel.
***
On July 7, 2005, Colorado Springs had been drenched in heavy rain for several days. With the swollen creek blocking the road to Betty's lodge, Adele began to feel intense pain.
The labor pains arrived several days earlier than expected, overwhelming her, and the midwife who was supposed to assist could not reach them.
Filled with anxiety and fear, Adele found comfort in Betty's calm presence by her side.
As Adele's water broke, the reality of the situation hit her.
"Betty, help me…" Adele murmured weakly.
Drawing on her own birthing experience, Betty reassured her, "You're doing great, Adele. Just a little more, hang in there!"
The intense contractions continued, and Adele endured the pain by focusing on happy thoughts.
Finally, the baby was born.
Adele held Iris in her arms, tears of joy streaming down her face.
But that joy was short-lived; she soon felt an overwhelming fatigue and sensed something was wrong. She was experiencing excessive bleeding that wouldn't stop. Adele grew increasingly pale and weak.
"Betty…" Adele called out in a faint voice. "Please take care of Iris for me…" She grasped Betty's hand with trembling fingers.
"Adele, that will never happen. You have to pull through."
But Adele's gaze grew dimmer, and her breath became shallower.
"Please keep my death a secret from the baby… and from Daniel…"
With all her remaining strength, Adele looked at Iris. Her eyes were filled with love and affection, but soon they lost focus.
That day, the sky over Colorado Springs continued to rain.