"Where's the child? Where's my child?"
I grab Mindy's hand and ask.
Although, I think I have seen the doctor carry the baby out.
But I'm afraid it is also a dream.
I have already lost Earl. I can't bear the pain of losing this child.
Mindy holds my hand and whispers, "Don't worry, the child is fine. It's a girl. Her heart and lungs are still
not fully developed and she has been sent to NICU for observation. When you feel better, you can go
to see her."
Despite Mindy's words, I still don't feel at ease since I haven't seen my child.
I struggle to get up. Mindy quickly presses me down and says, "You are very weak right now. Don't
move. Otherwise, you might bleed again. And now that visiting hours have passed, you will have to
wait until three days later to see your daughter. Now, you should lie on the bed and have a good rest!"
I can't wait for three days. It's too long.
Mindy looks at David for help as she speaks.
David understands her intention. He nods and says to me, "The doctor said that you should stay in bed
for at least three days. I will send someone to guard the door of the ward for these three days."
I know what David is capable of, so I can only do as he says.
These three days feel like ages to me.
The effect of the anesthetic has passed, and the pain in my lower abdomen is piercing.
I've experienced this kind of pain before.
I was in such pain when my stomach was forcefully cut open before.
At that time, I knew that Frances and I are over. It's the same now.
I lie in bed every day, watching the sunrise and sunset.
Finally, it is the afternoon of the third day.
"Mindy, can I go see the child now? Can I?"
"Alright. I'll take you there right now."
Mindy rolls her eyes at me and then helps me out of bed.
When my feet touch the ground, I realize that my body is very weak and there is no strength in me.
I have to put all my weight on Mindy.
"Damn, are you trying to crush me?"
Mindy rolls her eyes at me.
"Sorry, I don't have much strength." I say to her helplessly.
"It's alright. I forgive you. After all, you almost lost your life."
Mindy says as she helps me walk forward.
Finally, we arrived at the entrance of the NICU. We have already registered before. As soon as the
door opens, the doctor leads us in.
After changing into aseptic clothes, I walked in nervously.
There are more than a dozen newborns inside. Each of them is covered in tubes and is taking oxygen.
They are all very thin and look very pitiful.
And the one on the innermost bed is my child.
I haven't named her yet, so the medical record card at the bedside states that she is Jane Noyes’
daughter.
When I see the little fellow, tears immediately fall down my face.
She is so thin and so small.
Her face is also very thin. She doesn't look beautiful, but her quiet sleeping face still warms my heart.
The doctor stands at the side and says to me, "Your child's vital signs have been stable. But since she
is a premature baby, she can't drink breast milk now and can only rely on nutrients to support her life.
After she can drink breast milk, she should stay here for observation for another week. If she's stable
then, she can be transferred to a general ward."
I nod to the doctor with my eyes still on the child.
I can't bear to look away from my daughter for a moment.
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