NOT JUST A GIFT

chapter 6

The bubbly personality and brightness of Ariel had brought some glimpses of joy into Charles's life. But since Vera's absence, the once Happy and healthy baby had become pale and unkempt. Charles had noticed the change in Ariel's behavior and appearance, but he attributed it to the usual ups and downs of childhood.

At first, it was a mild cough and nausea. Charles had assumed it to be normal, thinking it was just a minor cold. But as the days went by, Ariel's condition worsened. She began to wheeze and struggle for breath, her small body racked with coughs. Charles took her to the hospital, thinking that a round of antibiotics would clear up any infection.

But the doctors' faces were grim, and the diagnosis was not as expected by Charles. Ariel had developed a severe respiratory infection, one that required constant treatment and monitoring. Charles was devastated, feeling helpless as he watched Ariel struggle to breathe, it happened too fast to think of.

Over the next few days, Charles and Ariel frequent the hospital. They spent long hours in the pediatric ward, with beeping machines all over the place coupled with sterile smells. Charles tried to stay strong, but seeing his baby hooked up to oxygen tanks and IVs was heartbreaking.

Despite the doctors' best efforts, Ariel's system wasn't responding to treatment. She grew weaker and more lethargic, her tiny body exhausted From the constant fighting, Charles was beside himself feeling like he was losing his daughter.

In the dark of the night, as he sat beside Ariel's hospital bed, he realized he needed Vera. He couldn't do this alone, couldn't bear the thought of Losing his GIFT, Ariel. He needed Vera's help, her love, her care.

With a heavy heart, Charles pulled out his phone and dialed Vera's number, hoping against hope that she wouldn't ignore the call. He knew he had hurt her, he knew he had driven her away. But he was angry and felt used,  he knew Vera was the only one who could help him save Ariel.

As the phone rang, Charles's anxiety grew. What if she had moved on with her life and Didn't want to come back? The thought sent a chill down his spine.

On the third ring, Vera's voice was soft and gentle, on the other end. "Hello?"

Charles's eyes welled up with tears as he poured out his heart. "Vera, please," he begged, his voice cracking with emotion. "I know I don't deserve it, I know I hurt you, but I'm begging you, please come back. Ariel needs you, I need you here, please. I can't lose her, Vera, I can't lose my daughter."

The pause on the other side of the line was alarming, for a moment, Charles thought he lost her. But then Vera's voice came through, gentle and soft. " Charles, I'll come back, for Ariel, not you this time, please. I'll come back to take care of her. Please promise me this one thing."

"Anything, vera," Charles promised, his heart soaring with hope. " I'll do anything."

"You have to promise me that you will let me be her mother, "Vera pleaded, her voice firm. "You'll have to promise that you'll let me make decisions for  her, that you'll trust me to take care of her."
Charles hesitated, unsure if he could make such a promise. But as he looked down at Ariel's pale face, he knew nothing was too much for her. "I promise, Vera," his voice barely a whisper. "I promise I'll let you be her mother, I'll trust you to take care of her."

Vera's calm voice on the other side of the line. "I'll be there soon, Charles. I'll be there to take care of Ariel, to be her mother too."

Charles's eyes welled up with tears as he hung up the phone, his heart filled with gratitude. He knew he didn't deserve Vera's forgiveness, but was willing to do anything to save his daughter.

Besides Ariel's hospital bed, holding her small hand in his, Charles knew that he had finally found what he had been searching for all along. He had found an unconditional love, a love that would always put his daughter first before anything or anyone.

Charles waited eager to see Vera in the room, he couldn't help but think about the past few weeks. He had been so blinded by his pride and anger that he had pushed away the one person who truly cared about Ariel. He had allowed his anger to get the best of him, now his daughter was suffering because of it.

Amidst the thought, the door to the hospital room opened, and Vera walked in alongside a nurse, her eyes fixed on Ariel as the nurse administered some injection. Charles felt a lump form in his throat as he watched her approach the bed, her movements soft and trembling.

"Ariel," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "My sweet baby girl."

Charles felt a pang of guilt as he watched Vera take Ariel's hand in hers, her eyes foaming with tears. He knew that he had driven her away. But as he looked at her now, he knew that she was willing to put all of that aside for the sake of Ariel.

"Vera," he said, with almost a whisper. "I'm so sorry. I was so blind, so stupid. I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I'm begging you, please forgive me."

Vera's eye Never left Ariel's face, but Charles saw a small nod, a small sign of acceptance.

"I forgive you, Charles," she said, her voice soft. "But more importantly, I'm here for Ariel. I'm here to take care of her. We'll get through this together, okay? "

Charles felt a wave of relief rush over him as he nodded, his eyes filling with tears.

"Okay," he whispered. "Thank you, Vera.  Thank you for coming back."