This is not “the easy way.” This is being cut open while awake. Layers of skin, muscle, and uterus opened while your mind stays present. This is hearing your baby cry while your body is still on the table, arms stretched wide, organs exposed, time suspended between survival and love. This is a nervous system doing everything it can to hold awe and shock at the same time. This is strength people don’t see because they rush you to be “grateful,” as if gratitude should erase the fact that your body