Rifiuto: Non Mirena

It was nice, getting out of the house for a while, spending time with Sarah. They wandered the local mall, picking out a few things for Ziva to wear as it got closer and closer to the birth before stopping for lunch at the food court. Sarah chatted about what it was like to photograph Poveglia Island, the Venitian island that had been used to house and bury victims of plague. She stopped, noticing that Ziva wasn't paying attention. "Hey, Ziva, you okay?"

A moment passed before her sister-in-law nodded. "Yeah. Just tired."

"Baby wearing you out?"

"Just everything."

Sarah nodded, before getting up. "Come on, let's get you home."

The drive home from the mall was quiet, until they got to a stoplight, and suddenly, Ziva couldn't hold it in any longer. "He doesn't remember me, or the baby, or our marriage... he doesn't remember any of it." Without a word, Sarah shifted lanes; they pulled into a space at the park, and Sarah shut the engine off, quickly unhooking her seat belt and turning to her.

"Ziva, look at me. Talk to me."

"Tim... I love him, Sarah, but... when he woke up two weeks ago from that coma... he remembered everyone else but me and the baby... and I know that he wouldn't remember the baby because we found out the night of the accident, but he doesn't remember that we've been married for four years or that..."

Without a word, Sarah held her arms out. "Come here. Come here, Ziva." The expectant mother choked on a sob as she unhooked her seat belt and leaned over, wrapping her arms around her sister. "I'm so sorry, Ziva. I can't imagine what you're going through right now. Shh, hush. It'll be okay."

"Everyone... everyone says that, but... but I don't see how it can be. He doesn't remember me, Sarah. He doesn't remember our baby... when I handed him the baby book in the hospital, he stared at it as though it were a snake about to bite him. And when he came with me to my appointment the day he got out, he was distant... he wouldn't hold my hand when I held mine out... he's slept in the guest room for the last week and a half... he won't touch me or kiss me... he won't touch my belly unless I hold his hand against it, he won't talk to the baby... how is this supposed to get better?"

Slowly, Sarah pulled away, taking her sister's face in her hands. "Ziva, he's just woken up from a coma, and he's facing a lot information and a lot of situations that he doesn't remember. You have to be cautious... be careful. Treat Timmy as though he... as though he's a bird you're trying to catch or a deer caught in the headlights. It'll take time for him to get used to everything."

"We don't have time, Sarah. Not much anyway." She glanced down at her belly, resting a hand over the swell. "Amal is going to be here soon... how is he going to feel if his Abba won't hold him after he's born?" She choked on a sob. "Oh God, what happens if I go into labor? Or... or start to give birth... and Tim doesn't remember me... what if he doesn't remember the baby... what if he doesn't know what to do-"

"Ziva! Calm down! All this stress and this worry over something that is months away isn't doing you or Amal any good. You have time before that happens-"

"I am five months pregnant, Sarah. I have four months left before Amal makes his appearance in the world... four months is not enough time to help my husband regain four years of marriage."

The younger woman sighed. "Look, I understand you're upset, but... but look at it this way. If you involve Timmy in everything that has to do with the pregnancy, maybe eventually those other memories will return. You know, the Lamaze classes and appointments and birth plan and... just... involve him in everything, and show him the videos, and talk to him, like you talk to Amal. Make a conscious effort to help him regain his memories, Ziva. Make him feel as though he's a part of this process, that he didn't just help create the baby, but that he matters. That he's loved. And... if I know my brother- and I know my brother- he'll take your help. And eventually, when he feels comfortable enough, he'll reciprocate and become not as distant as he is now. Just be patient, Ziva. I know that's not your strong point, but think of it as a game. The more patient you are with my brother, the quicker you'll win the prize at the end. Okay?"

Slowly, the other woman nodded, rubbing her belly absentmindedly. She gently lifted the top of her blouse up, studying the swell. A soft chuckle escaped Sarah's throat. "I thought you had an innie."

"I did. Not anymore. This... little one has pretty much made it very clear that my body belongs to him now. I mean... look at me. My belly is protruding, my ankles are swelling, my breasts are..." She sighed, throwing up her hands. "This is what your brother did to me!" Sarah sat back against the seat, laughing. "He put this... tiny human being into my body this is growing... and... changing and... ruining me and... and the worst part is... is... is that he does not remember!" She narrowed her gaze. "Oh sheket b'vakasha! It is not funny, Sarah!"

"Oh yes it is, Ziva! If you didn't love my brother, you wouldn't be having his baby, it's as simple as that."