Mick had told her that he loved her, and after spending time with him these past few days, Nancy no longer had any doubts. She knew that he truly loved her.
But what about her? Could she love him? Her physical condition was a mess, and her future, as well as the babyâs, was uncertain.
If she made a promise to him now, would that be too selfish?
At this point, Nancy would rather Mick not love her. At least if something happened to her, he wouldnât be affected.
The fetus in her womb wouldnât make it to full term and would have to be delivered by caesarean section at 32 weeks, according to the doctorâs evaluation.
But 32 weeks was only 8 months, too early for Nancy!
âCan I hold on and wait until 35 weeks to deliver the baby?â Nancy asked.
âMiss Fowler, if you wait until 35 weeks, your physical condition will be even worse, and your condition will become more uncontrollable,â the doctor said.
âItâs only three weeks, I can hold on!â Nancy insisted.
A 32-week-old baby is still too small, especially since the lungs have not fully developed, which can cause many complications.
At this time, every extra day the baby stays in the motherâs womb is worth more than a week outside.
At least waiting until 35 weeks would be safer for the baby.
âNancy, listen to the doctor, 32 weeks!â Mick said. âWith medical advancements today, even if the baby is born at 32 weeks, survival is guaranteed!â
âBut Iâm afraid that if the baby comes too early, even if they survive, if certain parts havenât developed properly, it could affect their entire life. I want to give the baby more assurance,â Nancy said.
She knew she was being greedy. The baby could already survive, but she wanted to give them more assurance!
âBut have you thought about what would happen if you were to have another episode like last time, unconscious for 16 hours or even longer?â Mick held back his fear.
He sat by her hospital bed, watching her unconscious state, afraid that if she didnât wake up, what would he do?
At that moment, his heart was filled with despair and sadness.
Fortunately, she eventually woke up!
But no one could guarantee how long it would take for her to wake up if she were to lose consciousness again.
âMick, let me hold on a little longer, okay? If I really canât hold on, then weâll have the baby delivered!â
Nancy said.
Mick tightly pursed his lips, staring at her. âDo you really want to hold on? Is it because this baby is the only family you have and the most important thing to you, and I⦠donât count for anything?â
Nancy was taken aback.
No, he meant everything to her. He was the one she loved!
He was the man she deeply loved!
âDo you⦠love me?â Mick asked.
Nancy didnât know how to answer him for a moment.
âLove, of course she loves him!â
âBut if she responds, wouldnât that be another kind of restraint for him? He doesnât know what her and the childâs future holds, and she doesnât want to say the word âloveâ because she canât promise him anything for the future.â
Her hesitation made him bitter. âSo it turns out that I was just being foolish. You never loved me! Even if I begged you, you would still risk your life for the child in your belly! You never thought about what would happen to me if something happened to you!â