SHATTERED DREAMS

CHAPTER THIRTY

The sun hung high in the sky as I stepped out of the hospital, the weight of the past few hours still heavy on my shoulders. Hlelo was stable, and the baby was under observation, but my mind raced with a million thoughts. I felt a surge of protectiveness wash over me; I needed to ensure that we had everything ready for our new arrival.

I quickly made my way to the nearest baby store, a well-known chain that boasted everything a new parent could need. My heart raced with a mix of excitement and anxiety. I had never imagined I would be in this position—shopping for our first child—but here I was, determined to do everything right.

As I entered the store, the sight of colorful clothes, toys, and baby gear overwhelmed me. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that I had to focus. First things first: I needed a list. I pulled out my phone and started jotting down the essentials.

Diapers, wipes, clothes, a crib, a stroller… I stared at the screen, feeling a mix of dread and determination. How could I buy everything for a life I hadn’t even been prepared for? I shook my head, pushing those thoughts aside. This was happening, and I had to step up.

I made my way to the diaper section first, grabbing packs of newborn and size one diapers. I couldn’t believe how many options there were. “Do I go with scented or unscented? Disposable or cloth?” I mumbled to myself, feeling slightly ridiculous. But it was all so new and overwhelming.

After loading up on diapers, I headed to the clothing section. I picked up onesies in various sizes, opting for soft fabrics and adorable designs. I imagined Hlelo dressing our baby, her face lighting up with joy. I picked a few that were pink and blue, not knowing the baby’s gender yet.

Next, I made my way to the baby gear aisle. I picked out a sturdy crib and a comfortable mattress. As I debated between a travel crib and a regular one, I could almost hear Hlelo’s voice telling me to choose wisely. “Think practical, Sbani,” I muttered under my breath.

Once I had the crib and mattress sorted, I headed to the stroller section. I remembered the sleek, multi-functional strollers I had seen online and found one that was lightweight yet sturdy. I felt a sense of accomplishment as I loaded it into my cart, picturing us taking long walks in the park with our baby.

As I continued to shop, I noticed other parents in the store, some with little ones in tow, others like me—wide-eyed and overwhelmed. I couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Each of them had their own story, their own challenges, and their own joys.

Finally, I made my way to the checkout, my cart brimming with essentials. I glanced around, feeling a swell of pride and responsibility. I was becoming a father—a title that felt both thrilling and terrifying.

As I pulled out my wallet, I received a message from Hlelo. My heart raced as I read her words: “How are you? I’m thinking about you and the baby. Love you.”

I quickly typed back, “I’m at the store getting everything we need. I can’t wait to bring our baby home. I love you too.”

After paying, I loaded everything into my car and took a moment to breathe. I couldn’t believe how much had changed in such a short time. I was about to become a father, and I wanted to be the best one I could be.

On the drive back to the hospital, I reflected on everything that had happened. Hlelo had been through so much, and I wanted to make this transition as smooth as possible for her. I knew that in the days to come, we would face challenges, but I was ready to embrace them together.

When I arrived at the hospital, I quickly gathered the bags and headed inside. The familiar scent of antiseptic hit me, reminding me of the chaos from earlier. I made my way to Hlelo’s room, my heart pounding with anticipation.

As I stepped inside, I found her sitting up in bed, a slight smile on her face despite the exhaustion in her eyes. “Sbani! You’re back!” she exclaimed, her voice brightening the room.

“I got everything,” I said, setting the bags down next to her bed. “Diapers, clothes, a crib, and a stroller. We’re ready for this little one.”

Her eyes widened in surprise and delight. “You did all that? Oh, Sbani, that’s amazing! Thank you!”

I grinned, feeling a rush of warmth at her words. “You deserve all of it, Hlelo. I want to be the best partner and father for you both.”

As she reached for my hand, I felt the bond between us strengthen. No matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together—united in love and determination. This was just the beginning of our journey as a family, and I couldn’t wait to embrace every moment of it.