Marissa’s labor had lasted throughout the night,, and she had still not dilated at dawn. Helen andTomiwa took turns rubbing her back and making her comfortable. Her grandmother stayed with her all night,, and at dawn,, when Dr.. Feranmi told her to lie down on the cot that the nurses got for her while he checked on Marissa, Mrs.. Onwurah,, who arrived that morning,, took over for her. Her saucy words and acerbic tone kept Marissa entertained and made her concentrate less on the pain that seemed to increase every time the contraction overcame her. At one point, she was advised by the nurses to move about, and and she...