502 Fragile Bonds

(Jayden)

The next morning, I sat at the edge of her bed in the dim light of the intensive care room. The machines hum softly around us, their rhythmic beeping a constant reminder of how fragile this moment is. Winona's face is pale, her lashes fluttering against her cheeks like she's caught in a restless dream. But she's here, she's going to be okay. But U still have to tell her the news.

She still has to hear me say the words about our baby, about her operation.

Her fingers twitch against the sheets, and my heart leaps. She's waking up.

"Winona?" I lean forward, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Hey, sweetheart. I'm here. You're okay."

Her eyelids flutter open, her gaze unfocused at first, then locking onto mine. Her lips part, dry and cracked, as she tries to speak.

"Jayden..." Her voice is a hoarse whisper, barely audible over the hum of the machines.

"I'm here," I repeat, my voice steady even though my chest is about to cave in.

She blinks, her hand moving instinctively to her abdomen. A small gasp escapes her lips, and her eyes widen. "The baby..." The tears fell down her cheeks. "I'm sorry...I'm so sorry, Jayden..."

My stomach knots, the words lodging in my throat like a jagged stone. I grip her hand tightly, as though my touch can somehow shield her from what I have to say.

"Winona, listen to me. You're alive. You made it through surgery. You're here with us. That's what matters."

Her eyes search mine, desperate and pleading. "But our baby...our miracle...he's...he's gone."

I close my eyes briefly, the weight of her question pressing down on me like a tidal wave. "Yes. We lost him, Winona. I'm so sorry it wasn't meant to be."

escapes her, raw and gut-wrenching. It feels like someone

"No. I knew not to

crumble. "You're human, you had to believe. We had too.

already knows. Her fingers press against the bandages, and

lean closer, my forehead nearly touching hers. "Winona... There was too much bleeding. The doctors had to make a

breathing quickening. "What... what

"They had to perform a hysterectomy. I

sobs shatter me. I hold

hands clutch the sheets, her knuckles white as she trembles. "I... I know you made the right choice for me. But it's a

trying

anchor

You're still you.

You're the same incredible woman, the same

filled with pain. "I'm not the same," she says, her voice raw. "I'm broken. But other women get through this and I will toot's just a shock," she

her expression professional but kind. "Mrs, Brennan, you're awake. I check your vitals. Then you need to rest, get your strength back. Doctor

Winona's temple. "I'll be right outside," I

force myself to step away, my legs

is too bright, too sterile. I lean against the wall, running a hand through my hair as I try to

it's Lisa who's spoken. Lisa and Cass are

checking her out and the doctor is coming to see

eyes scanning my

hollow. "But it's

course she is. How could she not be? It's so

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