A First Glimpse
Jason stared through the glass at the little human who was hooked up to tubes and several wires. He couldn't believe that a child that small could possibly survive, but the baby appeared to be a fighter. The tiny boy kicked his legs and let out a cry as the NICU nurses cared for him. Bobbie came to Jason's side as they discussed the infant's condition. "He's so tiny," Jason said in awe. "Is he in any pain?"
Jason had been watching the baby breathe. He didn't seem to be taking full breaths. "The baby could die, right, Bobbie?" Jason asked, his fears mounting as he had been told that the baby had a heart condition. The medication they had been giving the newborn didn't seem to be working to close the duct in his heart.
"If the medication doesn't work soon, we'll have to close the duct in the baby's heart surgically," Bobbie explained.
"He's four weeks early. How can they do surgery on a baby that small?" Jason questioned. "It doesn't seem possible."
"It might be necessary to save his life."
"How... how's Carly?"
"I'm sorry, Jason. She's still unconscious."
"Will she make it?" Jason prompted. "Tell me the truth."
"She's lost a lot of blood. She arrested shortly after the baby's delivery. She's stabilized now, but if she starts to hemorrhage again, we could lose her."
Jason stood there in stunned silence as he heard Bobbie's ominous words. Meanwhile, in Carly's hospital room, a nurse noticed a great deal of blood. It was bright red and soaking Carly's hospital bed. She called out urgently for the doctor.
"I want to see Carly," Jason insisted.
"Jason, you need to go home and get some sleep," Bobbie urged. "You should go change your clothes. You've been here all night." Jason was still covered in Carly's blood.
"I'm not tired and I'm not going home. If Carly or the baby need me, I'm going to be right here."
Jason took a seat in the waiting room as Bobbie promised to check in on Carly and ask the doctor about the lastest news on the baby's condition. "Thanks. I will be right here waiting," Jason said.
As he sat in the waiting room, he looked down at his hands. They were still stained with Carly's blood. He needed a hot shower and a fresh change of clothes, but he wouldn't budge - not until he was absolutely sure that Carly and the baby were going to be okay.
