My mother-in-law, Elizabeth, was thrilled when we decided on a home birth, insisting on being there to help. Though I had reservations, I agreed to her presence to make Josh happy. On the big day, however, Elizabeth’s behavior grew strange. She kept disappearing and reappearing, acting more flustered each time. As my labor intensified,

I heard unsettling voices and music from the living room. Josh went to check and returned with disturbing news—Elizabeth had turned our home birth into a party, with a dozen guests and a “WELCOME BABY!” banner