The trip back home from the hospital was heavier than usual, more dreadful in Anna's opinion.
At the hospital, Vincent told them he wanted to be aware of his actual condition. They didn't want him to know, but he pleaded. "Mom, Dad, I'm not afraid. I want to talk to Dr. Spallas, please", he had said. When he came out of the doctor's office, they knew that the doctor had told him everything. Although Vincent looked pleasant, he said he didn't want to talk about it anymore, and they respected that. He also said that he didn't wish to further treatment. Anna and Mark were already aware that the doctor nor the hospital couldn't provide any other medicine. If they wanted to look for more options, they'd have to look somewhere else.
According to Dr. Spallas, there are experimental drugs and therapies for inoperable brain tumors, but the cost to access them was ridiculous. The thing is, the cost is not an issue for Mark and Anna. Money was the least of their worries. The couple is enjoying early retirement and living well-off.
Mark used to be a famous chef. His chain of restaurants had been a commercial success. He struck gold when he developed ready-to-eat microwavable meals, which became a hit. Anna, on the other hand, was an award-winning photojournalist. With an eye for dramatic and astonishing imagery. Her photos were sought-after by important newspapers and magazines.
Anna was four months pregnant when she took an assignment covering a major typhoon. She was shooting a landslide when she met an accident and had a miscarriage. She was told that she would never be able to conceive a child again.
Though the couple wanted so badly to have a child, they have accepted their fate and moved on. They decided to quit their respective jobs and focus instead on their growing food business, with a bit of traveling and philanthropic work on the side.
Eleven years ago, Mark and Anna went to this nonprofit org -- where the couple was among the major donors. The organization helps pregnant young girls out of wedlock. The senior social worker called them and told them that they needed to come.
"Many thanks for coming on such short notice," the senior social worker said, welcoming Mark and Anna.
"Not a problem, Sophia. But, what's the urgency about, if you don't mind me asking?" Mark asked politely.
"Oh, yes, come, come. I want to show you something" Sophia took Anna's hands and led her inside the nursery. Mark followed them, puzzled. "Look," Sophia pointed at the baby wrapped in blue cloth to signify the male gender.
"Oh my God, he's so beautiful!" exclaimed Anna. "Honey, look at him," she told Mark.
"Indeed, he is. I wonder whose child is he?" Mark glanced at Sophia.
"She said her name is Isabel. Didn't leave any last name or address", the senior social worker begun. "She came here yesterday, asking us to take her baby, but we refused. We told her we only give temporary shelter to unwed pregnant young girls. After their child is born and strong enough to stand on their own, we let them go. I emphasized to her that we are not an orphanage", Sophia explained.
"Where is she now?" Anna asked.
"She told us she needed to go to the toilet. She asked one of the social workers to hold her baby for a few minutes. We got worried when she didn't return for more than an hour. We searched all over the place, but she was gone. All we found was this note" Sophia handed the note to Anna.
Anna read the note carefully. Her heart was pounding when she said, "It's...It's just simply heartbreaking. I don't know what to say. I'm out of words". She gave the note to Mark. "This is why you wanted us here, right? You want us to help you find her?" Anna to Sophia.
"Yeah, it's going to be difficult, but we're willing to help. I have a few connections that might be useful", Mark suggested.
"Oh no, it's not the reason why I wanted to talk to you, no," the senior social worker shook her head." The note implies, and I think you both agree with me on this, that this girl doesn't want to be found, nor does she wants anything more to do with the baby." Sophia sighed heavily, as she continued, "As you know, we are not an orphanage, and we can't take this baby. Basically, that's the reason why I wanted to see you, Anna, Mark. I want to ask if you'd be interested in adopting this baby?".
Anna could not believe what she had just heard. She held Mark's hand and asked, "Are you serious? Sophia, did I just hear you right about adopting this little angel?!". Anna was breathless.
Sophia nodded.
"Oh my God. Absolutely! Us, being interested, is an understatement. Oh my God. You have no idea what this means to us. Mark, did you hear that? This little angel is going to be our son", Anna could not contain herself.
For Anna and Mark, it was the most singular moment that they felt the happiest.
Still a long drive before reaching home. "Heaven on earth," as Vincent fondly calls it. Appropriately so, because Anna calls him her "little angel." Vincent hated it when she called him that. "Mom, I'm all grown up and wingless," he'd complain. Anna smiled at the thought of the first time she laid her eyes on Vincent. Here she is now staring at her little angel sleeping in the backseat.
"Anywhere you wanna go tomorrow, hon? You want me to cook?" Mark asked Anna with a smile.
"I'll never get over your microwavable honey. Those are fine; those are just fine", Anna told Mark. She thought they had had enough things today. They all needed a break. Besides, something is up in a bit.
"We can do BBQ. Vincent might want that", Mark said.
"Yeah? We'll ask him as soon he's up. The meds are killing him faster than the..", she's still uncomfortable saying tumor. It gives her the chills. She turns her stare out to the roadside green fields. She wished they could drive around forever and not worry about anything.
Vincent suddenly moaned. "Mom, Dad, my head, it hurts. Ahhhh..it hurts!". Vincent started pounding his head.
"Vincent, baby, stop hitting your head," she tried to stop Vincent. "Honey, pull over," she told Mark. She got out of the car and went to Vincent. "Baby, mom is here. Everything is going to be alright. I'm going to give you a shot to help with the pain, ok". Anna decided she was going to fight this time. She's not letting her fear get the best of her. Vincent vomited, and some got on Anna's blouse.
"I'm sorry, mom," Vincent said apologetically.
"No worries, my dear," Anna assured him.
Mark's door opened. "Excuse me, guys, I'll just get some fresh air," he said. Mark went straight to the green field.
After a few minutes, Vincent dozed off again. Anna decided to go after Mark. He was still crying when she reached him.
"My son is dying, and I can't do anything about it. I feel so helpless, powerless. No one told me it was going to be this painful. I'm not prepared for this", there was a deep hurt in Mark's voice.
"You're the one who told me to be strong," Anna reminded him.
"And I lied! I lied...", this time Mark broke down. Anna was quick to embrace him.
When they finally got back to the car. Vincent was already up.
"Where did you go, dad?" Vincent was still a bit weak.
"Oh, just, you know, had to take a smoke break. And, my nose was itching, was sneezing hard", Mark answered.
"That explains the red eyes. Probably an allergy, dad. Better take some meds, or you'll be sorry. Plus, I wish you'd quit smoking", Vincent told him with disapproval.
"There goes our future doctor," Anna told Mark and smiled.
