Sterile, 2005

Lovar, spring, 2005
mini-update

"The nursery set arrived today," Rebecca said, trying to make conversation. Anything to distract them from the beeping of the machines surrounding them. They went through the same motions each night. After feeding the twins and leaving them under the care of their uncle and aunt, the couple set off to see their youngest daughter, Ana Rayne.

Each night they washed their hands using the strong soap and crowded around their baby. At the moment, all they could do was stroke her with one finger for a limited amount of time since touch was still stressful to the young infant. Rebecca would then unpack the breast milk that she carefully pumped during the day and insert it into the feeding tube. The extra milk was labeled and placed in the freezer for Ana Rayne's other feedings.

Occasionally, they would take a photo or two to show the twins their little sister. Abel and Amanda were not allowed in the unit due to their age, so the photographs were the only way the twins were able to see Ana Rayne.

"That's great," Julio distractedly replied. His mind drifting to the little girl next to him. It was only yesterday that the doctor reduced the amount of support from the ventilator. It wasn't by a lot, but any reduction was a milestone since for the last few simweeks little Ana Rayne had to be supported with various breathing tubes, feeding tubes and other types of tubes that even as a doctor, mystified Julio.

"Good evening," Dr. Suzanna McMillian said entering the tiny room.


"Good evening."

Suzanna looked at the tense faces of her friends. When she started this position, she never imagined that she would have to care for such a sickly baby, much less the baby of her colleague and friend. Since Julio was also a doctor, Suzanna knew that he could tell when she was trying to present Ana Rayne's prognosis in a favorable light. It also meant that Julio knew exactly all the complications of the various medicines and procedures.

"The x-rays are back for Ana Rayne and we have a few options." Suzanna began.

"She will need surgery, that much is a known fact. However, the timing of the surgeries is up for discussion."

Julio's ears perked at the plural nature of the noun.

"Surgeries? As in, more than one?" Rebecca whispered, stealing a glance at her tiny daughter. "I thought she was getting better. She doesn't need as much support from the ventilator anymore, that's good right?"

Suzanna nodded and glanced at Julio for support. His face was expressionless, the muscles had turned to steel in order to brace himself for the rest of the news. He needed to remain neutral and not upset his wife, but he also knew that if Suzanna thought multiple surgeries were needed, then things were not as well as they appeared.

"Yes, Ana Rayne will need to have surgery on both of her kidneys. You are aware that it's not functioning to it's fullest capability and we have had to drain it on numerous occasions."

Rebecca and Julio nodded.

"Her x-rays also indicate that her heart and lungs are of some concern as well. Even after the medicine therapy, the vessel connecting the two is still causing Ana Rayne some difficulties. surgery is now required to solve this issue."

Julio's muscles tensed even more as he stole a glance at his daughter. In spite of his efforts to mask his emotions, Rebecca could tell the difference. After more than 10 simyears of marriage, she could tell that when his upper lip twitched and his breathing slowed that he was trying to process some difficult information.

Julio stood up, "thank you, Suzanna."

"I'm not done, Julio." She whispered.

"Ana Rayne will also need to have the fluid on her brain drained."

Rebecca choked back a sob. Julio couldn't bear to look at his wife as she wept, the tears and cries rocking her body, instead he diverted his eyes once again to his baby girl. He didn't want this for her, no parent would want their baby to need so much support.

He tried to push away the feelings of guilt. If only he had been content with the twins and not pushed Rebecca to have just one more child. If only he had left well enough alone and then Ana Rayne wouldn't be suffering. The weight of the invisible burden pushed him back to his seat. His body numb with the unexpressed pain and grief.

Rebecca knew that it was her turn to be strong for the family. Julio's limbs had begun to shake and she could see the unshed tears behind his lashed. She bravely wiped her tears away and stood up.

"When will these surgeries start?"

"As soon as we determine which surgery to do first. Ana Rayne will need recovery time between surgeries, however her conditions are a delicate balancing act. "

Rebecca wiped the tears that threatened to fall. "I'm assuming that these surgeries are not optional."

"Everything is optional," Suzanna began. "However, I would not advise you to forgo any of the surgeries if you want Ana Rayne to..."

She faltered as she tried to find the right words. However the silence was enough. The weight of that unspoken four letter word shifted the air in the room.

"How long will Ana Rayne be here?"

"At least until her due date. I don't foresee her leaving before then, especially considering the complications that Ana is experiencing."

"It will be ok," Julio said rising from his chair and kissing his wife.

He didn't want to discuss discharge dates. The doctor in him knew that Ana Rayne had a long road of recovery ahead of her. Three surgeries that her tiny body had to undergo and recover from, not to mention the fact that she still needed her feeding tube and the occasional oxygen. He sincerely hoped that his little girl would in fact, make it home. His training had exposed him to that much. Babies in NICU didn't always make it, healthy babies at home didn't always make it.

"Thank you so much, Suzanna." Rebecca said hugging the woman. The pressure of Suzanna's large belly caused Rebecca to stiffen a bit. It reminded her that Ana Rayne was supposed to be still inside her, growing and getting stronger. Instead, she was covered with tubes fighting for her life."She'll be ok," Julio reassured his wife.

"We'll be ok."

Rebecca nodded, she knew that he said those words as much as to encourage her as to encourage him.

"Yes...everything will be alright."

---

Not sure if you needed a tissue, so I didn't give a tissue warning. Ana Rayne was born three simmonths early, which would make her about four months premature if she were born in real life.

How do you deal with sickly sims in your hood?