His arms hung limp at his sides. He looked like a man who hadn’t slept in days. Emily, still dressed in a fine blouse and fitted jeans, didn’t care about his dirty, sweat soaked clothes. She simply leaned toward him and gently tapped his shoulder. “You’re okay now,” she said quietly. “They’re going to be okay.” Matthew said nothing. “He couldn’t.
His throat was tight, his heart too full.” “When the nurse returned later that night, she had good news. Both babies are stable,” she said with a warm smile. They’ve been treated and are resting now. We’ll monitor them overnight, but they’ll be just fine. Matthew’s head dropped slightly. And he let out a breath he didn’t even know he was holding. Tears gathered in his eyes.
Tears of relief, of gratitude, of pure raw emotion. Emily didn’t leave. She didn’t say, “You’re welcome.” or “I have to go.” She simply stayed all night sitting beside Matthew in that hospital reception room waiting, watching, protecting until the first light of dawn broke through the windows. Very early the next morning, the doctor approached them in the hospital waiting area.
Emily and Matthew immediately stood to their feet, eyes filled with concern. “The children are doing better now,” the doctor said warmly. But their condition was caused by exposure to cold and mosquito bites at night. Matthew bowed his head slightly, guilt creeping in again. Young children, the doctor continued, don’t have strong resistance like adults.
Their immune system is still developing. Please make sure they sleep in a warm, cozy room with the windows properly shut and always put them in baby sweaters at night. Thank you very much, doctor, Emily said sincerely, nodding. We’ll do our best to take very good care of them. The doctor gave a kind smile and walked away. Emily turned to Matthew slowly.
Her voice was calm but firm. You’re not going back to the streets again. Matthew blinked, unsure if he heard her right. You’re not going back to that abandoned bus, she repeated. Matthew froze. He looked down at his dusty shoes, then back up at her. But where will I go? He asked confused. I have no money.
I can’t afford a proper apartment. Don’t worry, Emily said gently. You’ll stay at my house. Matthew looked shocked. I stay alone in a very big house, she continued. There’s enough space for you and the babies. Matthew’s mouth parted, but no words came out at first. Then he shook his head. No, no, I can’t do that, he said quietly, hesitating.
You’ve already done more than enough for us. I can’t be a burden. Emily stepped closer. “You may be strong enough to survive the cold. Maybe you’ve learned to endure hunger and hardship,” she said softly. “But think about the babies.” She placed a hand gently on his arm. “They’re still very young, Matthew. They can’t face life the way you can.
