A/N Again mention of loss that may distress some. It is more clear here as the adult POV understands the physical reality. Read with care, but I hope this gives comfort in terms of Jo's life and soul.
A week had passed and the radiation was no longer an issue, but the impact had sparked something that could not be reversed. Was it physical, mental or of the soul. It didn't matter at this stage as Jo was extremely ill again and the doctors were concerned.
Mum had a 'put-you-up' bed next to Jo's in the private room. No one could get her to leave Jo. She was determined to be there and sensed that Jo knew she was there. Stroking their hand and cheeks. Their breathing calmed when she kissed them and that was enough for Mum to know that Jo was fighting and would return. Mum sensed and knew more than the machines about that side of Jo's life.
After all they had been through even before Jo was born. That dreadful day when she feared she had lost the baby, only to discover they were healthy, but there may have been a twin who never developed but was finally 'rejected' as the developing embryo needed to develop and grow. A medical term and phrase that mum had never accepted. She had felt responsible for the loss at the time and memories and thoughts returned often and made her cry to this day. However, the joy and reality of Jo and fighting to keep them healthy and happy had given her a focus and purpose to make sure Jo lived, thrived and enjoyed life.
Mum had known Jo was ill soon after the birth before symptoms showed. The first few months had been a battle to keep them alive and finding the right doctor who could diagnose and solve the problems. Mum had felt loss and grief, but would stop at nothing to keep Jo with her. She instinctively knew what was needed most of the time, and when she was unsure she asked the nurses, doctors and read up on everything she could find so she understood and could be an active member of the team. Journeys to London on the train we're regular to check up on Jo and stays in hospital were weekly to treat the latest infection.
The major surgery was finally possible when Jo was six months old and big enough and strong enough to get through the operation. Special miniature operation tools had been made. The team was ready to perform and operation that was ground breaking for the time. The operation room had a gallery for other medics to view and observe the procedure, and the gallery was full. The incredible part is how medical science has progressed since then. The operation and skills have been used in many operations for many different conditions since and one of Jo's conditions is now diagnosed in the womb and operated on during pregnancy. None of that was possible then though. The missing, damaged and unexpected parts had to be fixed, removed and re-set so that Jo's body no longer poisoned itself and allowed the system to function and flush and clear away what had been causing so many issues.
The operation was a success but the healing would take years and impact on Jo's life in some way forever. This was believed to be a minor issue as it meant they lived and could flourish. Regular hospital appointments, infections and illnesses followed and the most recent procedure was to use the latest machines and methods to help the team understand how things were working inside. Could the body and organs repair themselves or would lifestyle and precautions be needed by Jo to minimise impact in the future. The unexpected impact of the radiation level had just added a sprinkle of uncertainty and concern. Yet Jo and mum had been fighting through.
Back to the current day and Jo was slowly waking and seeing their mum and her smile. This warmed them, even though the cold penetrated their body. Jo shivered and their teeth chattered, a constant problem they faced as the cold always just cut through their body at the massive scar from that operation at six months old and made them shiver. That would lead to the next infection. This was not unusual for mum and she hugged them gently and pulled up an extra blanket. She smoothed their hair and stroked their cheek and whispered.
'There you are my darling, you have had a good sleep.' In the warmest and most comforting voice that Jo knew.
They smiled and cracked a half smile back and croaked 'thirsty' through dry lips and a sore throat.
Mum poured some water and held Jo's head up to help them sip.
'Don't try to gulp it down. Just little sips at first.'
Jo was used to waking like this and nodded and sipped, a few drops dribble down their chin.
'Messy.' Mum teased and laughed. To reassure Jo that it was ok.
Yet the cold liquid made them shake and shiver as it continued down to their chest.
'How long?' they croaked with a great deal of effort.
'Seven days, my darling, but don't worry.' Mum reassured again.
Jo just nodded and realised their head was pounding and they felt so weak. No thought to where they had been for a whole week. They just smiled weakly at mum and closed their eyes and drifted back to sleep. Just not the same deep sleep.
YOU ARE READING
A life with and without choice.
Сучасна прозаJo never really understood what was happening. They flowed through life with the adults leading them through each day. They played with friends and enjoyed the laughter, yet there was confusion about their place in the wider story. This was partly...
