New Baby

Chapter 18 : Tender touch

The room of Ava at the hospital. 

POV: Dr. Laura Kim

The hours dragged by in the NICU, the rhythm of monitors a constant reminder of the precariousness of life. I had watched Ava closely, noting the slight ebb and flow of her vitals, performing a delicate dance on the edge of hope and despair.

Each passing moment made it clear that despite our interventions, Ava's condition had not significantly improved. Yet, in the midst of uncertainty, a flicker of a breakthrough emerged. Her bruising had started to fade, and although she remained intubated, I believed she could handle a different form of support—skin-to-skin contact with her mothers.

"Olivia, Scarlett," I called gently, watching as they looked up at me from their seats, eyes bleary but filled with unwavering hope. "I think it's time for some skin-to-skin contact with Ava. Research shows it can enhance her physiological stability and provide her with comfort."

The moment I finished speaking, their faces lit up with cautious excitement, their eyes shimmering with a mix of gratitude and anticipation.

"Really?" Olivia breathed, her voice a soft whisper, as if afraid to acknowledge hope.

POV: Olivia

My heart soared at the prospect of finally holding my little girl. I glanced at Scarlett, whose eyes were filled with a spark of determination. We exchanged a silent promise—this would be a moment of solace amidst the storm.

"Let's do it," Scarlett said, a brave smile breaking through her lingering dread.

Dr. Kim explained the procedure to us, laying out the safety precautions. Ava was still at risk, but this connection could help stabilize her heart and breathing. It felt like a lifeline thrown in the midst of turbulent waters.

Carefully, we followed Laura's instructions as she set up a comfortable place for me. I slipped into a medical gown, taking a deep breath, my chest trembling with anticipation. I desperately wanted to feel Ava's warmth, to draw strength from her, just as I hoped she would draw from me.

POV: Scarlett

Watching Olivia prepare to hold Ava filled me with pride and love. Knowing that she had the opportunity to connect with our daughter made the heaviness in my heart momentarily lift. This was a tangible step forward, even if fleeting.

I took a step back, allowing Olivia to be the first one to embrace our daughter. We were both so fearful for Ava, but in this moment, I sensed that what we were doing might truly help.

"Just focus on her," I said softly to Olivia, standing close to her side. "I'm right here with you."

POV: Dr. Laura Kim

As Olivia gently cradled Ava, I could see tension leaving her body. The small movements of Ava's chest as she settled into her mother's warmth were comforting to witness. The monitors beeped in a steady rhythm, reflecting a slight improvement in her vitals.

POV: Olivia

I could feel the warmth of my baby against my skin, the weight of her body nestled against my chest. It was a surreal and beautiful connection, the closest I had felt to her since the accident. I could hear her faint breaths and see the tiny movements of her fingers.

"I'm right here, Ava. Mommy's got you," I whispered, feeling an overwhelming wave of love surge through me.

POV: Scarlett

I took a step closer, resting my hand on Ava's back, wishing I could fully share this moment. I wanted to envelop both my girls in my embrace, to make sure Ava felt the love we had for her. As I gently caressed her, I could see signs of life returning to her cheeks—color slowly creeping in, the twisted fingers of fear easing just a little in the safety of Olivia's arms.

POV: Dr. Hunter

I entered the NICU once again and was happy to see the change in the atmosphere. The intensity of anxiety hanging in the air began to dissolve into a sense of calm. I approached the trio, glancing at the monitors to see that Ava's heart rate had stabilized and her oxygen saturation was improving.

"Looks like the skin-to-skin contact is helping," I said, a smile breaking across my face. "Her vitals are responding positively. It's a good sign."

POV: Olivia

My eyes widened in surprise and joy at Dr. Hunter's observation. "Really?" I asked, incredulous.

"Yes, we'll continue to monitor her closely, but I'm optimistic," she replied. "Keep doing what you're doing. Your presence is powerful for her."

POV: Scarlett

In that moment, tears of relief began to blur my vision. I squeezed Olivia's shoulder, surprisingly buoyed by our moment of triumph. Ava was still fragile, but perhaps we were finally making some progress.

"Stay with her as long as you can," Laura encouraged, smiling at us with warm eyes. "This bond is crucial for her emotional and physical recovery."

POV: Olivia

I nestled Ava closer, feeling the rhythm of her body synchronize with my heartbeat. As I held her, the worries that had clawed at my heart for days began to ease, replaced with the comforting knowledge that we were in this together.

"Thank you, Ava, for being strong," I murmured, kissing her soft forehead. "We love you more than words can express."

POV: Dr. Laura Kim

Watching this exchange, I felt a sense of hope blossom within me. It was true that challenges remained, but in that moment, I could see Ava's resilience reflected in the love of her mothers. A bond forged in adversity, and against all odds, we would fight together until her little heart filled with joy once more.

As Scarlett and Olivia continued to nurture Ava in this new way, the tension that had gripped the room slowly transformed into a comforting ambiance of love—a sanctuary that Ava desperately needed to heal.

I don't want to be a bad person so here is the next chapter.

The Hope is there.

I just can't live without a happy end. 😭

I hope that you like it. 

Please comment your feelings for these chapters.