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Anna's POV
My baby was born a few days ago and I've been enjoying being a new mother. I've been a bit tired lately and at times dizzy, but that's to be expected. Evan has been waiting on me hand and foot, bless his heart. Esther has enjoyed stepping in as my unofficial nanny during the time she's not at school. She has decided to start school part-time. I'm so proud of her. She recently got her driver's license and started college. She's going places.
I'm currently in the nursery rocking chair, trying to console my daughter after having just fed her. But she's been a bit cranky lately. Maybe it's colic? I don't really know what that entails but I've heard of it. I plan to do research about it. Evan walks in and sees me struggling.
"Try to remember that baby can sense our emotions. Take a deep breath. Maybe try singing to her," he suggests. That doesn't help me, knowing I'm causing her distress. I know he didn't mean it that way, but that's the end result. But I try to do what he says. I think of a song that fits and I settle on one. As I'm singing, Nadia actually starts to calm down. She starts sucking her thumb and drifts to sleep. I smile at Evan as a thanks, then lay her in her basinet. Grabbing the monitor, I follow him quietly out of the door, shutting it just enough to limit sounds.
Walking down the stairs, I sigh as I settle into the couch across from the fireplace. Later, I plan to take Nadia for a walk since summer is in full swing. I want to take her to the lake. There's always a cool breeze there.
Evan sits down next to me and I lay my head on his shoulder as he wraps his arm around me.
"I don't know why I can't seem to settle her very easily. Esther can swoop her up and she quiets quickly," I say.
Evan is quiet for a moment. "Maybe it's because you're mom and you're tired. Your body just went through something traumatic and it's taking a while to get back to normal."
"Maybe," I respond but I'm not convinced. I just have to focus on breathing I guess. I plan to return to therapy to deal with the sadness I've been feeling. The guilt. Hopefully that will help too.
Evan lays his head on my head while tracing circles on my shoulder. He knows what relaxes me. I'm so thankful for him. He's the best daddy. I enjoy seeing him holding Nadia close to his chest and even singing to her. He's off-pitch which makes me giggle, but he loves her so much.
I'm not really mad at Esther, I just feel a touch of jealousy when she's able to comfort my baby and I can't. But hopefully that will change. I'm thankful for Esther, don't get me wrong. She has helped me tremendously. She's currently in classes and will be home in a few hours. She has morning classes.
Nadia will probably sleep for an hour or so, maybe a bit longer. I miss her when she's sleeping. I plan to give her a great life, much better than what I had as a child. I am enjoying the baby stage, but I also look forward to her growing up. Each stage of life she will go through. I hope we are close.
***
Nadia woke up about an hour ago and I tell Evan I plan to take her for a walk. He offers to come but I would like some alone time, he understands. He reminds me to mind-link him if I need him.
I put my daughter in her stroller and she's cooing. I love her baby noises. I take her through the woods toward the lake. Once there, I take her out of the stroller and sit on the bench. I face her toward the water and we just sit. I listen to the baby noises, feeling content.
She soon lets out a little cry and I realize she's probably hungry, so I begin to breastfeed her. I am thankful that I make enough milk to sustain her. I was worried I wouldn't. I watch her as she eats and she seems to reach toward me. I know she can't really control her arms yet, but I hold her hand and lean down to kiss it. I enjoy these moments.
I feel the slight breeze and begin rocking back and forth, soothing Nadia. Her eyes close and she falls back to sleep. I sit for a while longer before standing to put her in her stroller. I raise up and feel dizzy. I have to stand for a bit until it passes. Once it does, I take a step, then everything goes black.
***
Evan's POV
I am so happy right now. Anna and Nadia complete me. We've talked about future children, but right now, we just want to focus on our daughter. I am waiting on Anna to return as I make us lunch. I may not be able to cook too well, but I make a mean grilled cheese. Anna loves them.
I suddenly feel a pang in my chest. I reach out to Anna through the mind-link, but she doesn't respond. I remove the pan and turn the burner off before rushing to her. I am panicking as I run through the trees. There, next to the stroller, Anna is on the ground as Nadia is crying. I mind-link the new pack doctor immediately and give her my location. The last one retired but this one is good too. I pick Nadia up to sooth her and sit down next to Anna. She's breathing, just unconscious. I pray that she's ok. That she's just tired.
The pack doctor arrives and goes to Anna at once. After checking her out, she calls for backup with a stretcher.
"I want to take her to the hospital, run tests. Make sure there's nothing serious." I agree.
"I will notify Esther. She should be coming home soon. Her last class let out."
After the orderlies come and put Anna on the stretcher, I lean over and kiss her on the forehead before they leave with her. I mind-link Esther.
"I need your help, Esther. Anna has collapsed and she's being taken to the hospital. Can you take care of Nadia while I go to the hospital?"
"Of course! I'm almost home now."
***
I arrive at the hospital and see the pack doctor coming through the doors to the ER. She sees me and heads my way.
"So far, the tests have come back ok. I'm waiting on a few blood tests. She's still unconscious. I can take you to her," she tells me. I follow her to the back, in the ER. She has her own room and I sit next to her, taking her hand. I am worried. Why did she collapse like that? She's been through so much.
An hour later, the doctor comes in.
"Well, all blood tests have come back fine. I suspect this is related to post-partum. Sometimes the body is too tired after childbirth. I believe her body is in need of rest," she tells me.
"How long will she be like this?" I ask.
"There's no way of knowing. I wouldn't think for too long."
***
The doctor lets me bring her home and I carry her to our bedroom and lay her down on the bed. Esther brings Nadia in to lay next to her.
"What did the doctor say?"
I sigh. "Apparently, all the tests came back fine. She thinks this is related to post-partum. That her body just needs to adjust and rest."
Esther places her hand on my shoulder.
"I'm sure she will be ok, Evan. If the tests came back ok, then I'd think she will wake up soon."
I nod, hoping she's right.
