Every night has become sleepless, praying for a miracle to cure him and the endless worrying over Adriana’s well-being and the life of their unborn child.
That was until Andrew Elijah Evans entered the world just a few minutes ago.
Elijah sits beside Adriana, holding her hand with his fragile one. His prominent bones make it understandably difficult to find the strength to carry his son, but it’s important he do so.
“Elijah, are you ready to hold your son?” Mom asks, cradling baby Andrew in her hands like the proud grandmother she is.
With a weak smile, Elijah nods without a word before Mom gently places a wrapped Andrew into his arms.
Mom hovers, worried he’ll drop him given his frail state, but I watch on, knowing this moment will stay with me forever. The moment I held Amelia, I envisioned our future. All those milestones from the first birthday to the first time she’ll get into the driver’s seat and start the engine. It brought me so much joy, knowing our lives will be filled with so much love and it’s only just begun.
Yet, in front of me, a life is about to end.
I shake my head, trying to clear my morbid thoughts, then reach out to touch my sister’s hand. Adriana rests her head against the pillow, silently gazing at Elijah. The birth was long, and of course, she’s utterly exhausted. I continue to hold her hand to reassure her it’ll be okay.
But I know it won’t be.
“Lex,” Adriana's voice cracks as she speaks. “Please take him away from Elijah.”
“Are you sure?”
“He’s tired,” is all she says.
I release Adriana’s hand from mine, then move around the bed to where Elijah sits. Carefully, I lift Andrew from his arms to see a sigh of relief from Elijah. Mom glances at me with a knowing stare and then offers Elijah something to eat or drink. Gently, I place Andrew in his plastic crib supplied by the hospital.
My father walks into the room after speaking to the midwife and ensuring all is well. The moment his eyes lay on Elijah, he draws his brows together, then his gaze flicks to me.
“Adriana, sweetheart. How are you feeling?” Dad asks, kissing her forehead.
“Tired,” she barely manages.
“How about you get some rest? I’m sure Elijah could use the rest too.”
Adriana nods, not arguing like she usually would.
“Do you want me to help you, Dad?”
“It’s okay, son. Your mother and I will make sure Elijah is settled. You stay with your sister.”
It takes both my parents to help Elijah up and transfer him to the wheelchair. His limbs are so frail, making it difficult for him to walk long distances. The reality of his deterioration is so visual, making every moment in his presence so incredibly difficult to process.
Adriana reaches out her hand to touch Elijah, but neither of them says a word. Moments later, Dad wheels him out, leaving me alone with my sister.
“So, how do you really feel?” I ask, knowing she’s trying to put on a brave face for my parents.
“Like I’ve made a mistake bringing a child into this world without a father.”
A heavy sigh escapes me, and I sit on the plastic chair and move closer to her.
“I’m here. I’ll always be here to help you.”
“You have your own family, Lex.”
My hand reaches out for hers, then I squeeze it tight. “I will not allow you to raise him alone, you understand me? He’s my nephew.”
Adriana turns her head in the opposite direction, glancing at the window.
“I can’t do this,” she chokes, the stammer in her words communicating her pain. “I’m going to lose him.”