𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 - 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘇 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀

CHAPTER 6

𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬
-𝗟𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗸 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘇

Several days passed, and a week had come and gone since our last encounter. I still harbored a piece of paper containing Erik's number, but regrettably, I hadn't yet called him, despite possessing his contact details. It was not a reflection of any lack of interest or desire to spend time with him. In truth, I had been preoccupied with other pressing concerns. My mother's health, a matter of grave concern, was one of those pressing issues, reminding me of her previous struggle with miscarriage.  My mother was having problems again. Specifically related to her pregnancy just like she did 12 years ago which led to her miscarriage.

I watched silently as the hours ticked by, the sun's golden rays beginning to fade as the clock neared the late afternoon hour. We had been there since late the previous night, the doctors advising her to remain in the hospital for observation. My fingers gently intertwined with her hand, offering a silent, reassuring presence. We sat in mutual quiet, the sound of soft sobs occasionally breaking the silence that enveloped us. The weight of her tears weighed heavily on me, a silent testament to her unspoken fears.

The doctors' reports echoed in my mind. "Pre-eclampsia." I had looked at the doctor hoping he would explain as to what it was. The doctor's expression remained solemn as he provided a concise yet thorough explanation. "Pre-eclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy. The symptoms can include headache, blurred vision, severe swelling, or even seizures. In severe cases, it can lead to complications or premature labour."

"Would you say my mothers "case" is severe? She's only 2 months pregnant at the moment." I say softly

"At this stage, it's too early to definitively categorize your case kika as severe." He responded, looking at my mother then back to me, his voice maintaining a calm, professional tone. "However, it is crucial that we closely monitor her condition and take necessary steps to manage her BP as early as possible to prevent any possible complications."

"How much longer will i need to stay here? At the hospital?" My mother asked the tall doctor softly. Her voice cracked a bit as she spoke.

The doctor's voice carried a note of understanding as he responded softly, "We will have to continue closely monitoring your condition, and we may need to extend your stay for a few days. Your safety and that of the baby are our priority. We'll monitor your blood pressure and any other signs to ensure the best possible care."

I observed the unease etched on my mother's face, understanding the profound dread she held for hospitals. I, too, shared this sentiment, our collective aversion to the sterile and impersonal halls. I felt the weight of her concerns, knowing that the necessity of her hospital stay would only intensify her discontent. As my father was still on deployment, I grappled with the added burden of being a single source of solace and strength.

The room had fallen into a poignant silence, the absence of voices leaving the air charged with a solemnity that tugged at the heartstrings. I had been growing increasingly hungrier throughout the day, my empty stomach grumbling in protest. It was then, at precisely 6 PM, that the silence was breached by a soft call of my mother's name. I looked up at her, the gentle sound, "Mama?" slipping from my lips.

Upon the repetition of my call, my mother responded with a slight incline of her head and a soft murmur, "Yes, dear?" Her voice carried a hint of anticipation, as if to silently suggest that I was about to share something with her.

"I'm thinking I'm going to maybe go get something to eat. Like out and I'll bring back you some food? Is that okay?" I say softy. I didn't want to leave her side but I knew she would be okay. And plus i couldn't bring my self to each hospital food