© Twisted | gojohime

17. Twisted days

4th week of August

"You can get up now", Dr Shida says as she walks back to her desk after examining Utahime's overall condition

Utahime pulls her skirt back down before standing up from the stretcher and she goes to sit down on the chair in front of Dr Shida

Gojo enters the room with Satoshi who also has had his check-up in the other room earlier

Dr Shida reads both mom and baby's report with a smile. "Baby is very healthy. He has gained 14 grams since the last check-up, two weeks ago. That's actually fascinating. I guess he consumes a lot"

"He does", Utahime doesn't deny that

"Do you provide formula or—"

"No, he fully feeds on breast milk"

"Whoa~ That's good to hear. You don't have a problem with that?"

"So far, no. But I have expressed milk kept in the freezer at home. I'm trying to get as much supply as possible for him during the time I go back to work"

"Hmm, the amount of milk will usually deteriorate when mothers start working. But don't stress yourself too much about it. It's okay to feed your baby formulation milk. I'm telling you this as a doctor and a mother. There is nothing wrong with it from a health perspective nor ethic"

Utahime nods. Hearing that from someone who had been through the same situation as her actually helps

"As for the mother... Fortunately there is no infection around your stitched area. It has healed completely too"

Utahime breathes out in relief. She glances over at Gojo and he has the same expression. The stitches have been her number one concern from the day she discharged from the hospital

"But you are still advised to avoid intercourse for the time being. Also, refrain from doing heavy chores", the doctor turns to Gojo and adds. "Please look after your wife some more"

Gojo obediently nods. "I will"

/////

Gojo scoops some curry he makes into the bowls and serves them on the table

"Utahime, come out and eat your lunch!", he calls from the kitchen

No answer nor response from Utahime

"Utahime?", he calls again. "Did she fall asleep with Satoshi?"

Gojo takes off his apron and throws it over the hanger. He skips to Satoshi's room, knocking before he twists the knob and shoves his head between the gap. He makes a quick visual scanning throughout the room

Satoshi is found sleeping in his crib. Utahime is resting on her favourite rocking chair, doing nothing as far as Gojo concerns

"What are you doing?"

Utahime strains her neck, looking behind her. "Oh, Satoru", she straightens her back. "Why?"

"I called for you. Did you not hear?"

"You did?"

Gojo pushes the door leaf further, widening the gap. "It's lunch time. Let's eat"

Utahime grins sheepishly. "I'm not hungry"

Gojo's eyes widened. "Are you even serious?", he leans against the door frame, crossing his arms. "You only had wholemeal bread for breakfast and now you are skipping lunch?"