Yesterday Without Time in the amazing life of Kali

Chapter 48: The Threshold of Home

The days blurred into one another, a tapestry woven from the threads of hope and anxiety, laughter and tears. The NICU, with its sterile walls and rhythmic beeping, had become a second home for Kali. She had learned to

navigate its complexities like seasoned travelers, each day bringing new milestones and challenges. Now, as she prepared to leave, the weight of her journey settled heavily on her heart. Five days after Ziva had transitioned well to breathing on her own without the nasal cannula, the sun rose with a promise of warmth and new beginnings. Kali awoke to

the soft hum of the machines that had become a lullaby in Her life. She stretched, her body still adjusting to the strange comfort of the hospital chair, and glanced at the clock. It was early, but the anticipation of the day ahead sent a thrill through her. as Kali waisted for Clara and Clara came in with a hig smile and said i have some news for you! As long as Ziva Successfully breaths on her own without any hicups next week she can go home!” Kali got the biggest smile on her face at the thought of getting to bring her baby home but she was slightly nervous About it. As Kali Teleported home for a bit she was so exited and just after told all her family she was texting Cole to tell him when he told Kali they should be just friends. Which that broke Kali’s heart. As Kali Teleported back to the hospital she was super exited to be able to teleport again. And bwfore Kali new kt a week flew by in the blink of an eye. As Kali woke rubbing the sleep from her eyes as her heart was racing. “Today is the day” Kali had been waiting for this moment for what felt like an eternity. After two months of uncertainty, countless sleepless nights, and the emotional rollercoaster of the NICU, She was finally on the brink of bringing Ziva home. The thought of it made Kali’s heart swell with joy, but beneath that joy lay a current of anxiety. Would she be ready? Will she be able to provide the care Ziva needed? Kali began her morning routine, a ritual that had become second nature to her. She dressed in comfortable clothes, her outfit a mix of practicality and the lingering hope that today would mark a

new beginning.As she made their way to the NICU familylounge to make a cup of coffee before morning rounds. As, the familiar sights and sounds greeted her like old friends. The nurses smiled warmly, their faces etched with the understanding that this day was monumental. Clara, her steadfast ally throughout this journey, approached her with a clipboard in hand and

an infectious smile.“Good morning! Are you ready for today?” she asked, her enthusiasm palpable. Kali felt a flutter of nerves in her stomach. “As ready as i can be,” she replied, her voice steady despite the whirlwind

of emotions swirling within her. Clara nodded, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. “Ziva has been doing wonderfully. She’s stable, and she passed the carseat test, passed her eye exam and passed her hearing teat, we’re confident that she’s ready to go home. Just remember, this is a big change for everyone, including her.” The thought of Ziva transitioning from the NICU to her home felt surreal. She had spent countless hours within those walls, watching her grow stronger, and now she was preparing to step into the unknown. Clara led her into Ziva's room to her bed, where her daughter lay peacefully, her tiny chest rising

and falling in a gentle rhythm. “Look at her,” Aaron murmured, his voice thick with emotion “She’s so strong.”Kali nodded, her heart swelling with pride. “She’s our little warrior.” added Brittany, After a few final checks and discussions about Ziva's care, Clara handed them a small bag filled with supplies— thermometers, feeding tools, and a list of instructions that

felt both comforting and overwhelming. Kali felt a mix of gratitude and trepidation. She was leaving the safety of the NICU, but she was also embarking on a new journey, one that would require her unwavering love and vigilance.“Are you ready?” brittany and aaron asked, Kali took a deep breath, steadying herself. “I am. Let’s do this.” As she walked out of the NICU, the weight of the world shifted. She was no longer just a mom in a hospital; she was a mom and a family stepping into the next chapter of their lives. The sun shone brightly outside, casting a warm glow over the

parking lot, and for the first time in months, Kali felt a sense of freedom wash over her. As she carefully placed Ziva in her car seat, the tiny figure swaddled in blankets, her delicate features framed by the soft fabric. Kali fastened the straps, her heart racing as she looked down at her daughter. “We’re going home, baby,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. Aaron and Brittany were settled and waited for Kali before Telaporting home, glancing back at Ziva and Kali . “You ready for your first Teleportation trip, little lady?” they asked, their voice filled with affection. With a nod from Kali, Aaron and Brittany teleported home, and as they left Kali and Ziva Teleported home as well, the enormity of the moment settled in. They were leaving behind the world of machines

and monitors, stepping into the vast unknown that lay ahead. Heading home was a blend of excitement and nervousness. Kali glanced at her tiny baby,, her heart beating in sync with hers as they arrived home. The world outside felt vibrant and alive, a stark contrast to the sterile walls of the NICU. As Kali stood outside her home for a minute she could hear children playing, she seen a couple walking hand in hand, and the mundane beauty of everyday life that had felt so far away during hers and Ziva's time at the hospital. Kali had spent so long dreaming of this moment, imagining what it would be like to have Ziva home. Now it was real, and the weight of Her hopes and fears settled around her like a warm blanket. As Kali walked inside, her heart raced. She could hardly believe she were finally home. Kali and Ziva were greated by all of Kali's siblings, and she took a moment to gather herself to the happy surprise. Nathan said thebguys and himself set up baby too. And set up baby stuff in Kali’s room as she had mentioned she wanted done but was hesitant on leaving behind Ziva long enough to get it done and Jojo and the girls decrated and got some clothes for baby Ziva. As Kali carefully unbuckled Ziva from her car seat, cradling her in her arms as they enjoyed the company of family. The familiar scent of her living space enveloped her, a mix of the ocean beaches from the candles Kali loved to light and the faint aroma of

fresh coffee. It felt like a sanctuary, a place where they could finally settle in and relax.Kali settled Ziva gently into the bassinet that everyone had hadprepared, her hearts swelling with love and gratitude. But as Kali basked in the warmth of her new reality, the shadows of uncertainty lingered. She knew that her journey was far from over. Ziva would need regular check-ups with the NICU outpatient doctors until she turned three, a

reminder of the fragility of life and the challenges that lay ahead. Yet, in that moment, standing together in her home surrounded by family she felt an overwhelming sense of hope. She was ready to embrace whatever came next, united in their love for Ziva and this big family.