PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 119: Getting Ready For Egg Retrieval

Carina proceeded with the injection, her movements gentle and precise. She carefully administered the hormone, ensuring it was given correctly and without causing any undue discomfort.
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After the injection was finished, Carina removed the needle and gently placed a small bandage over the injection site. She reached out to stroke Maya's hair, her touch tender and soothing.

Carina's voice was soft as she looked into Maya's eyes. "There you go, Bambina. That's the last one. You did great."

Maya, her eyes half-lidded with exhaustion, managed a slight smile. "Thanks, Carina. I'm so ready to be done with all this."

Carina smiled back, her hand still gently stroking Maya's hair. "I know, Bambina. But we're almost there. Tomorrow is the egg retrieval, and then we'll be one step closer to our goal."

Maya nodded, her fatigue making it harder to speak. "I know. I just... I'm so tired, Carina."

Carina's heart ached for Maya, understanding the toll this process was taking on her both physically and emotionally. She continued to run her hand softly through Maya's hair, offering silent comfort.

Maya looked at the box "There's a note on the box."

Carina, curious, looked at the box that Maya mentioned. She saw the note and gently picked up the box, intending to read it.

Carina examined the note, her eyebrows slightly furrowed as she puzzled over its contents. She spoke up, her voice tinged with intrigue. "There's a note. Do you want me to read it to you, Bambina?"

Maya gave a small nod, her curiosity piqued despite her exhaustion. "Yeah, read it to me. I'm too tired to read it myself."

Carina studied the note for a moment before reading aloud. "It says, 'Dear Maya and Carina, we know this has been a long and challenging journey for you both. We want to show our support and love for you by sending this little reminders...'" She paused and slowly opened the box, revealing what was inside.

Carina and Maya both looked into the box, their eyes widening as they realized what it contained. Carina's voice was filled with wonder as she continued reading the note. "'...and offer our prayers for a healthy baby. All our love, the Station 19 family.'"

As Carina finished reading the note, she reached into the box and carefully pulled out what was inside – onesies, pacifiers, blankets, and other baby items. The small, delicate items symbolized the hope and love of the station family.

Maya, despite her fatigue, couldn't help but break into a watery smile. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at the gifts, overwhelmed by the gesture of love and support from her colleagues.

Carina noticed the tears in Maya's eyes and gently reached out to wipe them away. "See, Bambina? They all care so much about you and about our future child. They're with us all the way."

Maya managed a small nod, her voice choked with emotion. "I know. I'm just... I'm so tired and emotional. These are happy tears."

Carina wrapped her arm around Maya's shoulders, pulling her closer. "I understand, Bambina. It's been a lot to handle, and your hormones are all over the place. It's okay to let it out."

Maya leaned into Carina's embrace, her head resting against her shoulder. "Thank you, Carina. For everything. For being here, for understanding, for loving me. I don't know if I could do this without you."

Carina's heart swelled with love as she held Maya close. "You don't have to do it without me, Maya. I'm here for you, always. We're in this together, and we'll get through it together. I love you, and I know we'll be parents soon."