Dancing with Shadows ✔

Heavy Hearts

Dancing with Shadows

Chapter 14

Emma lay in her hospital bed, the morning light filtering softly through the window blinds. A week had passed since the accident that had changed her life in more ways than one. Her broken arm and fractured leg were encased in their respective casts, limiting her movements and trapping her in a cycle of frustration and uncertainty. Her father, Sasha, still hadn't spoken a word to her. Her mother, Natalie, visited occasionally, but only to check on her progress and discuss her discharge from the hospital. Her brothers were the only ones who still talked to her, trying to lift her spirits. The silence in the room was a stark contrast to the chaos that had erupted when her pregnancy was revealed. Now, alone with her thoughts, she felt a mix of anxiety and anticipation about what lay ahead.

A soft knock on the door broke her reverie. Dr. Edwards, her attending physician, entered the room with a warm smile. He was a tall man in his fifties, with kind eyes that had seen many patients through their darkest hours.

"Good morning, Emma," he greeted, closing the door behind him. "How are you feeling today?"

Emma managed a weak smile. "Morning, Dr. Edwards. I've been better, but I'm managing. Just trying to wrap my head around everything."

Dr Edwards nodded, pulling up a chair beside her bed. "I can imagine. You've been through a lot in the past week. I wanted to come by and give you an update on your recovery and, of course, your pregnancy."

Emma's heart skipped a beat at the mention of her pregnancy. She had spent countless hours pondering the implications, feeling a swirl of emotions ranging from fear to a hesitant sense of wonder.

"Let's start with your injuries," Dr. Edwards began, glancing at her charts. "Your arm and leg are healing as expected. The fractures were clean breaks, which means they should heal well with time and proper care. Physical therapy will be crucial once the casts come off, but given your background as a ballerina, I believe you'll have the discipline to get through it."

Emma nodded, taking in the information. "How long do you think it will take before I can dance again?"

Dr. Edwards paused, choosing his words carefully. "It's difficult to say for certain. Full recovery might take several months, but we'll need to evaluate your progress regularly. For now, focus on healing and following the rehabilitation plan we'll set up for you."

Emma sighed, a mix of relief and apprehension washing over her. "I understand. I'll do whatever it takes."

Dr Edwards smiled encouragingly. "I have no doubt about that. Now, about your pregnancy." He looked at her with gentle concern. "How are you feeling about it? Have you had a chance to process the news?"

Emma hesitated, searching for the right words. "It's been... overwhelming. I didn't even know I was pregnant until last week. It's hard to believe that there's a baby growing inside me."

Dr. Edwards nodded empathetically. "It's a lot to take in, especially given your circumstances. The good news is that the baby appears to be healthy. We'll continue to monitor your pregnancy closely, particularly because of the physical stress your body has been under from the accident."

Emma's hand instinctively moved to her abdomen, a protective gesture she hadn't realized she was making. "What should I be doing to ensure the baby stays healthy?"

"First and foremost, rest and proper nutrition are key," Dr. Edwards advised. "We'll have a nutritionist come by to help you with a diet plan that supports both your recovery and your pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins are essential, and we'll be scheduling regular check-ups to monitor the baby's development."