CHAPTER 2: THE TRUTH INSIDE THE HOSPITAL
CHAPTER 2: THE TRUTH INSIDE THE HOSPITAL
Miguel stood outside the examination room with Santiago asleep against his chest. Every second felt like an hour.
A pediatrician finally stepped into the hallway.
"Your son has a severe fever caused by dehydration and an untreated infection," she said. "The good news is that you brought him in when you did. We expect him to recover."
Miguel closed his eyes in relief.
"And my wife?"
The doctor hesitated.
"She is suffering from exhaustion, dehydration, and complications after childbirth. She also has bruising on both wrists."
Miguel's stomach tightened.
"When she became conscious," the doctor continued, "she asked us one question."
"What was it?"
"'Has my baby eaten?'"
Not, Am I going to be okay?
Not, Where am I?
Only her son.
Several hours later, Valeria slowly opened her eyes.
Miguel sat beside her, holding her hand.
Tears filled her eyes the moment she saw him.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
He gently shook his head.
"You have nothing to apologize for."
She looked toward the sleeping baby.
"They wouldn't let me call you."
Miguel felt his heart sink.
"My phone..."
"Your mother said I needed to rest. She took it away. Brenda said I was being dramatic whenever I asked to feed Santiago or call the doctor. They kept telling me I was a bad mother."
Her voice broke.
"I started believing them."
May you like
Miguel squeezed her hand.
"No," he said softly. "They were wrong."
