81

CHAPTER 81

MRS LIMA’S POV

The sterile smell of antiseptic was always present in Anna's hospital room, and also the humming sound of the machines and ventilator in her room. Mija was lying on the bed motionless, like she was asleep but we don't know when she was gonna wake up. outside her hospital window, everyone seems to be going about their various business, and it didn't occur to them that my baby was fighting for her life here. I kept my hope alive everyday because I know that she's going to pull through this eventually.

I stopped going to work completely, Amore was the one going to work, and coming back during the evenings to see how we are doing. My growing belly was a gentle reminder of how long we've been here at the hospital. It didn't bother me, I am not losing any of my children, that's what I kept saying to myself. I world sit by her bedside, my hands often cradling my stomach, my eyes fixed on my daughter's face. I would tell her stories of my day at the antenatal, my growing belly and the nursery I was preparing for her baby sibling.

“Mija, your baby sibling is growing very fast, and kicking up a storm,” I said to her with a smile playing on my lips. “Your sibling is going to a handful, just like you and your sister. I can't wait for you to wake up and see my stomach. you have to wake up sweetheart, you just have to.” I said while rubbing her hands.

Amore visited us, during the evening his braid smile filling the room, and he would approach her bed. Today he got flowers for her, something bright and cheerful for our Anna. he placed them in a case near the window.

“Sweetheart, dad's here again like he promised, I am taking care of mom and the baby, wake up and see how good she looks now.” he said with a smile on his face.

Anna's friends will always visit her, after their shift at the pastry shop, they would bring pastries for me and the baby and for Anna too, hoping she'll wake up and have some.

Latoye would always sit by her side holding her hand, with a misty eye, “We're all waiting for you girl,” she'd say softly. “You're strong and fearless, girl please wake up, I miss you so much. and we are gonna have that girls trip.” she'll say with Tina by her side.

Noah will always visit with Jimmy, after working at his company. He would come late evening with his friend, he would sit on her bedside, his fingers gently removing a strand of hair from her face. I felt his love for my daughter.

“Anna, please wake up, we are waiting for you,” he will say. “Don't take too long, beautiful.” Jimmy added too.

As the weeks turned into months, my belly was growing bigger, a visible sign of time passing. I'll always attend antenatal, with a heavy heart wishing my girls will be attending it with me. Each visit cane with a jew ultrasound picture, which I never fail to share with my Mija.

On a particular visit from the antenatal appointment, I brought the pictures to the hospital to show Mija. I placed them gently at her bedside table. “Look Mija,” I said with a happy face. “Your sibling is growing up so fast, but it's only missing one thing: you, Mija, wake up please.” I said to her in a pained voice. I looked at my Mija thoroughly, her hands moved. I called the doctor, who said it's normal that she's brain active but not conscious, but that it was good.

It's been three months since Mija has been in this hospital and it's been three weeks since she moved her hands. I was Mija, at the hospital this morning, the morning sun filtered through the blinds, casting a warm glow in the room. I was in the room but m, resting my hand on my growing belly, while reading from a baby book. I didn't notice the subtle changes that Mija had. I was so into the reading for my little one, that I didn't notice my baby's eyes were open, and she was looking at me reading to her baby sibling.

“Mom?” Anna called out to me, her voice was hoarse and barely audible.

My heart soared, I stopped what I was doing and I came close to her, “Yes, yes, it's me Mija, you're awake!” I pressed the call button frantically, calling the nurses. tears streamed down my face, as I leaned down to kiss her forehead. “You're back, you're finally awake.”

The next few hours were filled with medical checks and excited phone calls. Amore came in, his usual demeanor was changed and filled with happiness and excitement. He hugged her and his tears soaking into her hair. This is the first time, am seeing him shed a tear about Anna's condition.

The doctors examined Anna closely, and gave us updates about her condition.

“Alright Anna,” the doctor began, “Can you remember who attacked you?” the doctor asked her.

“I remember going to the pastry shop that day, and….... everything was blank, I can't remember anything.” Anna replied weakly.

The doctor took a deep breath, “Alright, I've reviewed your tests and the result of what you just said now, are consistent with a condition known as selective Amnesia. this means you've lost specific memories, but other parts of your memory remain intact.”

Anna nodded slowly. “So I won't remember what happened to me?” she asked, her voice filled with confusion.

The doctor gave a sympathetic nod, “That's right, you will not remember that event your brain chose to forget it, but rest assured that you'll get your memory with therapy alright.”

Amore leaned forward, concern on his face. “Is this a permanent doctor? Will she ever get those memories back?”

“It's hard to say,” the doctor replied. “Selective Amnesia can be temporary or permanent. Sometimes these memories return on their own, often triggered by sounds, or experiences. in other cases they just never return. therapy can be helpful but there are no guarantees.”

l clutched my husband's hand, “What can we do to help her? because she has to remember who attacked her.” I said to the doctor.

“Being supportive is crucial,” the doctor replied gently. “Don't push her to remember, give her time and encourage her to see a therapist. It'll help her greatly.”

Anna looked at both of us, she looked sad. “I'm sorry,” she said slowly. “I want to remember, but I don't just know how to do it.”

Amore, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulders. “It's not your fault, Anna. don't worry you'll recover in time, I am just happy that my baby is awake.”

“, you'll recover very soon, I am happy that you're awake, rest your friends will be visiting soon.