The Bank of Second Chances | Zarry

Chapter 30: Check-In

Harry lay in the hospital bed, his eyes heavy with sleep, but his heart and mind restless. Across the room, Zayn was sprawled on the sofa, snoring softly. The events of the past few days had taken a toll on both of them.

A nurse quietly entered the room, her steps almost soundless. She moved towards Harry, offering a warm smile as she began to check his vitals. Harry stirred, wincing slightly as he adjusted himself in the bed.

"Good morning, Mr. Styles," the nurse said softly. "Just checking your vitals. How are you feeling today?"

Harry gave a tired smile. "Morning. I'm feeling okay, just a bit sore."

As the nurse took Harry's blood pressure, the door opened, and the doctor stepped in, her expression calm but serious. She held a folder, and Harry's state of paranoia kicked in and his heart started to race. He couldn't shake the feeling that any news about Sunny, could swing from hopeful to heartbreaking in an instant.

"Good morning, Harry," the doctor greeted him. "I have some updates on Sunny. Would you like me to wake Mr. Malik so we can go over a few things?"

Harry nodded quickly. "Yes, please."

The nurse gently shook Zayn awake, and he slowly came to, rubbing his eyes and stretching. His disheveled appearance and sleepy expression would have been endearing in any other situation, but today it mirrored the fatigue and anxiety that both fathers felt.

"Hey, love," Harry said softly, reaching out for Zayn's hand.

Zayn took Harry's hand and kissed it before turning his attention to the doctor. "What's the news, doctor?"

The doctor smiled reassuringly. "Harry, Zayn, I have some good news and some setbacks we need to address. First, Harry, you're healing well. Your blood pressure is elevated, so we'll need to monitor that closely for at least a day or two. As for Sunny, she's showing signs of improvement. So far she's made some progress with her motor skills and overall a healthy baby, but there are still some concerns."

Harry and Zayn exchanged a glance, their fingers tightening around each other's hands. Harry took a deep breath and nodded. "Go on, please."

The doctor continued, her tone gentle but firm. "Sunny's lungs are underdeveloped, which is common among premature babies, and she's having a bit of trouble breathing on her own. We'll need to keep her on oxygen for now and monitor her breathing patterns very closely. Additionally, she's struggling with her feedings and hasn't been able to finish her recommended servings of her formula. We would need your permission but we should move forward with putting her on a feeding tube to ensure she's getting the nutrition she needs."

Harry felt a lump form in his throat, and his eyes welled up with tears. He bit his lip, trying to hold back the sobs that threatened to escape. "I... I understand," he said, his voice shaky. "But can I try to feed her just once? I just want to hold her and feed her, even if it's just for a moment."

The doctor nodded sympathetically. "Of course, Harry. We can arrange that. I'll have a nurse take you to the NICU shortly."

Harry and Zayn dressed in disposable blue coverups to minimize any risks that could disturb Sunny's treatment, and Harry's heart ached with a mixture of love and guilt as he approached Sunny's incubator. The sight of their tiny daughter, so fragile and small, brought a fresh wave of emotions.

With the assistance of the NICU nurse, Harry gently lifted Sunny from her incubator, cradling her in his arms. She was so light, her small body fitting perfectly against his chest. Zayn stood by his side, his hand resting on Sunny's little foot, rubbing gently. Sunny squirmed slightly, her tiny toes curling and uncurling at the touch.