Chosen to Live

Episode 1: "The Fight Before Birth" In a modest home in Negros Occidental, Philippines, a young woman named Mayumi Kanji faces an unplanned pregnancy. Overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty, she contemplates abortion as a solution to her troubles. However, deep within her, a flicker of hope remains—a belief that her unborn child deserves a chance at life. After much internal conflict and prayer, Mayumi decides against abortion. She choose to carry her baby to term embracing the challenges ahead. Her decisions is met with mixed reactions from her family and community but Mayumi remains steadfast by her choice. As the months pass, Mayumi pregnancy progresses. She experiences the typical disomforts and happiness of expectant motherhood. Despite the hardships she feels a growing bond with her unborn child, whom she name "Asha Felicity" which means Asha for "happiness" and Felicity for "good fortune" After a long and difficult labor, Mayumi gives birth to a healthy baby girl. The delivery is challenging but Mayumi's strength and determination see her through. Holding Asha for the first time, Mayumi feels an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude. Episode 2: The Weight of the Promise The hum of the hospital lights above her felt louder than the thoughts in her head. Mayumi stared at the ceiling, her hands folded across her swollen belly. The night nurse had just left, dimming the lights in her room. The scent of antiseptic still lingered, mingling with the faint aroma of the chamomile tea someone had kindly left at her bedside. But her mind was not in this room. It was racing through memories, dreams, fears. Two days ago, she'd been diagnosed with severe preeclampsia. The doctor’s words echoed in her ears still: "You may need to deliver early. There’s a risk to both of you. But we’ll do everything we can." She didn’t cry when they told her. Not then. But in the solitude of the night, when the monitors beeped softly and her body ached from lying still, her tears finally came. This wasn’t just about survival. It was about choosing to live. And not just for her. She placed her hand gently on her belly. The baby kicked — a small but defiant thump. Her lips curled into the smallest smile. "I hear you," she whispered. "We’re not done yet, are we?" --- Morning brought a surprise. Dr. Reyes entered with a woman in a white coat and a calming smile. “Lena,” he said gently, “this is Dr. Ayanda. She's a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. She’s seen cases like yours — and she’s here for you and your baby.” Ayanda stepped forward, eyes steady, voice warm. “I’ve read through everything. You’ve been incredibly strong. But I won’t lie to you — it’s going to be a fight. Your blood pressure is rising, and we may have to make some hard choices in the next 48 hours.” Mayumi nodded slowly. “What are the odds?” Ayanda didn’t sugarcoat it. “There’s risk. But with careful monitoring and fast decisions, we have a chance. And I think you're the kind of woman who fights for chances.” Mayumi swallowed hard. “I didn’t come this far to break now.” Ayanda gave a short nod, as if sealing a pact. --- That evening, after the medical team left, Mayumi opened her journal. The one she’d started the day she found out she was pregnant. Pages filled with dreams for a baby not yet born — now stained with determination. She wrote: > “If I live, it’s because I chose to fight. If my baby lives, it’s because I never stopped believing. Either way, I will not be silent in this struggle. This is the fight before giving birth. And I was chosen to live it.” Her hand trembled slightly as she finished the entry, but her spirit did not. Outside, a storm rolled in. Inside, a warrior was preparing for battle.