On that day, Allen could be discharged. The doctor left more prescriptions and things to remember in caring the child. The people listened carefully and took note.
The nanny prepared and fixed the things in the room while Anya and Damon took care of the documents and procedures.
Damon was at the counter fixing the documents while Anya and Amanda sat on the sit outside the corridor. Allen was sitting in Anya’s lap.
The air between Amanda and her was so awkward. She didn’t know what to tell Amanda or what to talk about. She also feared that Amanda would be annoyed and angry with her.
Amanda on the other hand, also doesn’t have anything to say. She does not have the heart to diss or scold Anya, so there is nothing for her to say.
So that two of them sat silently at the benches.
The topic of the nurses not far from them broke the silence. But sadly, it was not a good topic.
“The child I am caring right now is so pitiful. She is alone and only a nanny would come from time to time to look after her.” The nurse sighed as she said to the other nurse before her.
“Where’s the parent?” The latter asked.
“The parents are divorced and they have their own family. No one really pays attention to the child in between. The child is sick and had been stuck in our hospital for a while.” The nurse helplessly explained.
“It’s just sad that the parents seldom visit. No one really takes care of her. What’s more, she needed to fawn to her parents just to gain their attention.” The nurse added.
Anya and Amanda who was listening to the conversation was affected.
Anya felt sad. A child that needs to beg and earn her parents’ attention when in fact it should be given naturally to her. Such a pitiful child.
Amanda also felt aggrieved hearing this. A child should not need to beg for attention, but still, there are children like this.
She then thought of her grandson. She would never want for him to experience this. But the nurses’ conversation awakened her. Her grandson doesn’t have a normal family, he might have been very sad all this time.
Amanda never wanted this for her grandson. It was something he doesn’t deserve. He deserves more.
A complete and happy family.
Amanda turned to Anya and Allen, and her heart slowly changed.
Damon, who was at the counter, also heard this. He too was sad. He thought about his son’s situation and looked back to all his decisions.
People sometimes overlook a child’s feelings and emotions. Adults tend to forget that children have thoughts and feelings too, that they would be hurt, feel neglected, and envy for other children.
He thought what if he never met Anya? Would his child grow without a mother? He had thought of this before he decided the surrogacy, but maybe he thought of it too lightly.
He never really thought of how his son would grow and survive without a mother’s care. He only judged it based on his experiences, that he grew without that so much love. And in an environment that eats people, he still grew up well.
But he vowed to never let his son experienced those awful things, so isn’t he a hypocrite for thinking this way?
People should never judge a child situation based on adult’s judgement. They are more sensitive and needy for love and care.
This really opened the eyes of the people.
Damon walked towards the three and smiled at them.
“It’s done. How about we eat outside?” He invited as he tried to lighten up the mood. He gave his kind of anxious gaze at Amanda, clearly telling her that he wanted her approval.
Amanda looked at the family of three. Looking back to the story about that pitiful child, and looking at her own grandson, she kind of felt at ease that his parents were with him right now.
She remembered the scene she saw this morning, the warm and happy scene, there was a whisper in her heart, that wanted for her grandson to received this kind of warmth.
So with gentle eyes, she acquiesced.
Damon and Anya felt relieved. Anya too, was also nervously anticipating Amanda’s response.
She looked up at Damon and both of them had smiling eyes.
The three adults and one child stood together, and with light atmosphere, walked out of the hospital.
Veronica, who was peeping at the sides, gritted her teeth. She had been in this corner for while now and watched those people.
When she saw Amanda gazing at the family play with warm eyes, Veronica can’t help but clench her hands and look at them furiously.
What does this mean? Is she approving of them already? How can that be?!
Veronica angrily thought as she stared disgustingly at the family. It looked really warm that she can’t help but be sick.
They are not allowed to be happy!
Veronica thought with malice as she watched them leave.
The four of them went to a fancy restaurant. Damon wanted to go to a much more low-key place, but considering his diva mother with them, he finally chose a restaurant she would like.
Still, this restaurant serves delicious food and those with light dishes suitable for children.
Amanda peacefully cooperated with them. Although she doesn’t talk much and was still stiff, at the very least, she was no longer hostile towards Anya.
The happiest of them all was Allen. The people he loved was all with him, and complete!
He chattered more than usual and with that, it broke the awkward atmosphere in the group. The adults only listened and catered to the child.
When the food was served, they happily started their meal.
Anya helped Allen with his food, while Damon would place food to Anya and his son’s plate.
Amanda once again watched the bright and warm scene of the family. She looked at her grandson’s happy face and her son’s attentiveness.
She then laid her gaze at Anya. She thought, since this woman was her grandson’s mother, he would really need a mother. Her grandson deserves a family. It was what Amanda’s heart was telling.
Amanda then saw food being added to her plate. She looked at the source and saw her son who has ease in his eyes.
“Here, mom. Your favorite.” He said nonchalantly and then scooped some soup for her.
Amanda was touched and satisfied with this. His son was still attentive and caring to her, and she admitted she prefers this more than them fighting.
With this, the gaze she gave Anya gradually became more warm. It was finally a change of wind. Hopefully.