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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Before and After (05/14/09)
The hospital room was and dark and quiet, mostly quiet. Noises and light from the hallway seeped under the crack at the bottom of the door. In the farthest and darkest corner, and as far away from the door as possible, Susan stood like a guardian angel, watching her baby sleep. She was amazed at how something so tiny and innocent could cause such a flood of uncontrollable emotions to course through her. Her shoulders shook as she began to quietly weep. All the events that led up to that day began to fill her mind. It seemed so long ago, and yet it wasn’t.
She sat in the cold room, wearing nothing but a flimsy paper gown that opened in the front and multiplied her feelings of vulnerability. Her mind had been made up the first time she saw the two pink lines appear on the pregnancy test. There was no way she was going to through with this, the blob of tissue was nothing more than a cancer in her life, and the sooner she could be rid of it, the better. All the information she had received and researched up to this point had only solidified her decision. But as she sat on the padded table, feeling exposed, and waiting for the doctor, doubt about her decision began to grow.
“Good morning, Susan.” Dr. Melissa Smith was always friendly and comforting towards her patients. “What brings you to the office today?”
“Um, well, I recently took a pregnancy test.” She was startled by the hesitation she heard in her own voice. “And, well, I guess I would like to know how to go about, um, well…” Her voice trailed off, almost as if she was afraid to say the word. She hoped that the doctor would fill in the blank. But that didn’t seem to be happening.
Awkward silence filled the room.
“I want an abortion.” She blurted. But as words came out of her mouth, there was a sudden fear that gripped her.
“Okay.” Dr. Melissa gave her a comforting smile. “It sounds like you have some apprehensions about this decision. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?” There was so much sympathy in her voice that Susan was overcome by emotion, and agreed to talk with her.
In those moments that followed, Dr. Melissa Smith was able to help Susan make a more informed decision. As Susan listened to the beating of a heart, she could no longer deny that what was growing inside her was more than a blob of tissue. And given a chance, like any other living thing plants and animals included, that baby, her baby would grow into something surprisingly wonderful.
A tiny yawn escapes, and little fists emerge from under the swaddling. Her baby begins to cry, and Susan reaches out to comfort her.
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This article has been read 601 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Stacy Wells 
05/21/09
A wonderful reflection. Just think of what a nightmare the reflection could be if she made a different choice.
Emily Gibson
05/24/09
Her "after" could have been so different- a compassionate health care provider sent by God.
Patricia Herchenroether
05/27/09
A nice story. The last sentence says it all about her correct decision. A space between paragraphs would show the breaks better. All in all, a very well-written piece. Keep them coming!
Janice Fitzpatrick
05/27/09
Hi,oh this is touching. Nice job. I like the ending and was relieved to see that the doctor informed her so she could make an educated decision. Thank God for after's that end like this one. Keep up your writing. :0)