Young Writers Society

“What is it that you’re saying? Are you telling me that there’s never going to be a real life for my daughter? Is that it? It all boils down to an organism that I can’t even pronounce taking away from her vitality and now she’s stuck that way?” Lexi’s mom certainly made her voice known, but she was not loud, nor was she rude to the nurse.

“That’s not entirely true, ma’am. First off, it’s not an organism causing this, it’s a lack of oxygen to the brain. We have diagnosed her with a severe case of Cerebral Hypoxia. This means that she’s not getting oxygen to the largest part of her brain, the Cerebral Hemispheres. Secondly, there is a chance of recovery, but it’s slim at best.”

“How’d she even get Cerebral Hyp—whatever you said?”

“During birth, at some point, the umbilical cord was wrapped around her throat, causing severe asphyxiation. We believe that this may be the cause of her ailment. In a comatose state, your daughter may be, possibly right now, creating a life for herself, even if it’s only in her head. It’s sort of like one big dream but, in her head, it’s far more than a dream; she’s living her own reality; however, if she wakes up, you should know that there may be long-term damage to her brain.”

“This is all my fault. I could’ve been healthier. Drank a little less. Smoked a little less. Maybe then she would’ve turned out to be a normal child. Instead, she’s…God,” She start to pray quietly.

God, I promise I’ll live healthier. I’ll stop drinking and smoking. I’ll come to church on Sundays. I’ll do anything, please, just give me my baby back.

She stood up and paced for a few seconds, then sat back down. She kept wondering how anyone could take news like this. How could she possibly be content with never having a normal daughter? The nurse snapped her from her trance.

“Ma’am, there’s no way you could’ve predicted this. Not only that, this was a physical event that was not caused by smoking or drinking. I bet she would’ve been such a great child, too. With a mother like you, she would’ve been perfect...You’re so caring even though you don’t know her. It’s a pure love that I don’t think I’ll understand for a long time. Let me be the first to congratulate you and welcome you to parenthood,” the nurse walked to the newborn resting in the incubator. “And allow me to be the first to welcome you to the world.”

All Lexi’s mom could do was stare at the heart monitor and listen to the oddly soothing regularity of the ear piercing, yet rhythmic beeps that it made solely to contradict the silence.

Lexi, I hope you’re living out your dreams, even if mine are shattered.