Charlotte pushed the wheelchair toward the pediatrics building.
This was Evelyn’s first real chance to see her baby. Her heart raced with excitement.
For over seven months of pregnancy, she had imagined it countless times. What would the baby look like? What color were its eyes? Would it have Alexander’s sharp jaw?
But until now, she hadn’t laid eyes on him.
“Wait,” Charlotte suddenly stopped. “Aren’t you supposed to be resting? You just gave birth. Can you even be out in the wind?”
Evelyn rolled her eyes. “A little late for that now, don’t you think? Let’s go see my baby!”
Charlotte sighed. “Fine. But don’t blame me if your mom gets mad.”
She pushed the wheelchair forward.
They reached the children’s building. After asking for directions, they headed to the observation room for newborns.
“Evelyn? What are you doing here?” Amelia’s voice rang out, sharp with surprise.
“Mom, I wanted to see the baby. Charlotte brought me,” Evelyn said, trying to sound casual.
“You’re still in confinement! How can you be out in the wind? This is so irresponsible!” Amelia’s voice was a mix of worry and frustration.
Charlotte’s face flushed with guilt. It had been her idea. She only wanted to get Evelyn out of the room for some fresh air. She hadn’t thought about the confinement rules.
“Mom, I’m already here. Just let me see the baby,” Evelyn said, trying to change the subject.
Amelia sighed. “Fine. Look over there.” She pointed at the incubator. “That’s our little one. He’s much prettier now. See how he’s moving? So full of energy.”
Evelyn stood up, pressing her face against the glass. She squinted, trying to focus. But the reflection made it hard to see clearly.
“Can we go inside?” she asked, her voice anxious.
“Of course not. We’re carrying germs. It’s not good for the baby,” Amelia replied.
Just then, a nurse approached from inside. She asked which baby they were looking at. Amelia quickly gave the bed number.
The nurse picked up the baby and brought him closer to the glass.
Evelyn’s breath caught. She covered her mouth with her hand. Tears welled up in her eyes.
“Evelyn, he looks just like Alexander!” Charlotte whispered, tugging at Evelyn’s sleeve.
“Yeah,” Evelyn said softly. “But his eyes are mine.”
“And those eyelashes! So long. He’s going to be a heartbreaker,” Charlotte added.
“He’s beautiful,” Amelia said, her voice warm. “I can’t believe I ever thought he looked ugly when he was born.”
“He’s perfect. I want one,” Charlotte said with a grin.
“You need a boyfriend first,” Evelyn teased.
“That’s easy,” Charlotte shot back. “So, when can you hold him?”
“In a couple of days,” Evelyn said. “I can’t wait.”
“Hang in there. Then you can hold him until you’re sick of him,” Charlotte laughed. “Look! He’s smiling!”
“He’s too young to smile,” Evelyn said.
“He just did! What else would you call that expression?”
“Maybe he’s dreaming.”
“Can babies dream?”
They argued back and forth, their voices light and excited.
After a while, they headed back to the ward. Along the way, they couldn’t stop talking about the baby.
Back in the room, Charlotte insisted Evelyn lie down. “You need to rest. Confinement means you have to stay in bed. If you stand or sit too much, your spine will get hurt.”
Evelyn shook her head. “I’m not that fragile.”
“You don’t know. You’ve never had a baby before,” Amelia chimed in. “Listen to Charlotte. Lie down. A good confinement now means good health later. Childbirth takes a toll on a woman’s body.”
Evelyn couldn’t argue with her mother. She lay down.
“Don’t you think it’s weird, you talking to me like this?” Evelyn asked Charlotte.
“Not at all,” Charlotte replied with a smile.
“You’re smiling. That means you think it’s weird.”
“Just lie down. Your mom’s right. Having a baby is a big deal. Take care of yourself.”
Evelyn rolled her eyes. Charlotte laughed again.
Charlotte didn’t leave until the afternoon. Evelyn woke up from a long nap and stared out the window, bored.
Confinement was worse than living in the new house. Back then, she felt trapped, but at least she could watch movies, read books, or walk up and down the stairs. Now, all she could do was lie in bed, eat, and use the bathroom.
She felt like her back was rotting.
If the baby were here, she could hold him, talk to him, pass the time. But he wouldn’t be back for two more days.
She sighed.
“Don’t sigh. It brings bad luck,” Amelia said from across the room.
Evelyn bit her lip. Even sighing wasn’t allowed.
In the afternoon, Lily brought over some food. Amelia coaxed Evelyn to eat more.
Evelyn had no appetite. She hadn’t moved all day. She wasn’t hungry.
But if she didn’t eat, her mother would worry and nag. Evelyn was more afraid of her mother’s nagging than anything else. So she took a few bites.
Alexander arrived at the hospital just after seven.
These days, he spent most of his time in the ward. He only went to the company when absolutely necessary. He never worked late or went to social events.
Evelyn sometimes told him to focus on work. He always said the same thing: “No matter how important work is, it’s not as important as you.”
Evelyn murmured, “I’m fine.”
Alexander just looked at her. She felt her face grow hot under his gaze. She turned away, staring at the ceiling.
Alexander came in as usual, carrying a bowl of sweet soup. “From your favorite dessert shop. Eat it while it’s hot,” he said, pulling the table frame closer.
Evelyn’s eyes lit up. She sat up quickly. “You went to buy it?”
“I asked the doctor first. He said you could have some. So I went,” Alexander said.