219 A Breath of Life

(Winona)

The room is bright, too bright, as the surgical lights glare down on Ashlyn’s still form, her chest still rising and falling in time with the machine keeping her alive. Alive for this, this moment.

I pray the baby comes through. I stand beside Jayden, gripping his hand tightly, trying to be strong for him—for both of us. The tension is thick with worried nerves from the both of us, every second dragging on like an eternity.

Jayden hasn’t taken his eyes off Ashlyn’s face, his face set in a grim expression. He’s stroking her cheek, and my heart is breaking for him. I know he’s trying to keep it together, but I can feel the tremor in the hand I’m holding.

I tighten my grip momentarily and then let go.

I take Ashlyn’s hand. “This is it, Ashlyn, the one thing you wanted. To see this baby make it. You asked me to adopt your baby. To keep the baby safe. I promise you I will always do that for you. Jayden and I will always do that.”

A single tear rolls down Jayden’s face onto his fac