Episode 11

Susana sighed for the tenth time as she lay in the hospital bed, waiting for the results of the tests her mother had demanded from the on-duty doctor. Her pain had lessened, as had the bleeding, but that did nothing to ease her restlessness. Blood loss was always a bad sign. Closing her eyes, she tried to rest a bit, not knowing how much longer she'd have to stay there and feeling a bit drowsy.

"Are you all right?" A gentle voice suddenly pierced the silence of the hospital room.

"Y...yes…" Susana's eyes flew open as she nearly jumped, locking gazes with a short-haired, redheaded woman who wasn't there just seconds before. Clearing her throat and noticing her hospital gown, she added, "I'm feeling better now."

"That's good to hear," the redhead said with a smile, her gaze thoughtfully scanning Susana's swollen belly. "Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?" She approached Susana, not taking her eyes off her, and touched her belly, falling oddly silent.

"No… not yet," Susana shifted uncomfortably under the nurse's strange scrutiny. "We couldn't see before—it was supposed to be another ultrasound...today."

"It doesn't matter, does it?" The woman smiled, fixing her eyes on Susana's face.

"No, not really…" Susana returned the smile, but a sudden chill shot up her spine without knowing why.

"Susana…" Teresa burst into the room, her eyes filled with worry as she stared at her daughter. "Dr. Anibal is on his way." Holding her daughter's hand, she focused her attention on her. "How are you feeling? Dizzy? Weak?" Shaking her head, she checked Susana's forehead. "This delay with the tests is never a good sign."

"Mom… calm down…" Embarrassed, Susana gestured, indicating that they were not alone. "Everything's under control. The nurse is here."

"Nurse?" Teresa looked around, instantly meeting a pale face in a hospital gown. "Good you're here!" Susana's mother addressed the young woman. "When will the test results come in? We've been here for more than three hours without any news…