When the nurse swung open the heavy doors of the maternity hospital and said to the young woman, «Go with God, girl,» her voice sounded even, almost caring. But her gaze, that icy gaze, as if she was looking not at a person, but at statistics. Well, another girl, unmet by anyone, no flowers, no balloons.
Others, over there, bring brandy, thanks, candies. But this one, clearly a single mother. Why do they even give birth! They can’t provide for themselves or the child, thought the nurse, watching the skinny girl awkwardly carrying the bundle with the baby.
Alice, that’s what the young mom was called, slowly walked out of the hospital, looking around. Spring was blooming on the street, generously scattering lilac scent. Somewhere nearby, families were bursting with happiness, meeting newborns, and some men, trying their hardest not to cry, held their tiny miracles in their arms.
But no one came for Alice. She stood on the porch, trying to figure out where her taxi had gone, ordered an hour ago. It was past three in the afternoon, and now almost four, but the car was nowhere in sight.
Maybe I made a mistake, or the dispatcher. Chaotic thoughts raced through her head. But what really tormented her was one simple fact—she had nowhere to go.
The door slammed loudly behind her, and a noisy group came out onto the porch. One of the women in a bright dress with a huge bouquet was effusively thanking someone for the excellent service, another was enthusiastically explaining something to the new father, who was glowing with happiness. Alice felt out of place in this celebration of life.
Just a couple of months ago, she couldn’t have imagined being in such a situation. A year ago, she was an ordinary student. She studied, made plans, dreamed.
And now… Alice pressed the bundle with her daughter closer to her chest, as if trying to protect her from the cruel reality. Tears treacherously welled up, but she held back. No, not now.
She couldn’t break down now, only…
Обсуждение закрыто.