Hundred and Twelve

VALERIA

The chances were that the baby and I were perfectly fine, I thought as the doctor began to examine me with a meticulous air, but there was just something about hospitals that made people tense whether or not they wanted to be that way.

"Relax, Valeria," the doctor said, sensing my unease and pausing in his work to give me a reassuring smile.

"I'm relaxed," I said.

I returned his smile and proceeded to try to suit the action to the word. After several endless hours- to me at least- he told me he was done.

"You are doing quite well," he said. "The baby is quite healthy too. You have nothing to worry about."

The relief I felt at those words was exquisite. I thanked him. Since I was at the hospital, I went to pay a short visit to Grandma Reese. I found her awake and alert. But was it just me or was she looking rather wan?

"Valeria dear," she said, grinning from ear to ear and patting the spot on the bed next to her. "This is a pleasant surprise. Did you just get here?"

"No. I've