Yesterday Without Time in the amazing life of Kali

Chapter 45: A Fragile Beginning

Kalis' heart heavy with a mix of fear and hope. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air, as Kali made her way to her baby she passed many rooms with names on the door with tiny incubators in each room. Each incubator housed a fragile life, and within one of them, her own baby fought for survival. It had been a month since her daughter was born two months premature, and every second felt like an eternity. Nothing could prepare her for the reality of motherhood, especially not the harsh and unyielding environment of the NICU. She had imagined the joy of holding her newborn, the warmth of her tiny body against her chest, the sweet sound of her coos filling her home, giving Her baby her first bath and putting her in her clothes. Instead, she found herself sitting in a chair, staring at the glass enclosure that separated her from her daughter.Her name was Ziva, a name she had chosen after a long time of pondering what to name her. This wasn't how she imagined it would be like but now, as she watched the rhythmic beeping of the machines monitoring Ziva's vitals, the dreams She had imagined feeling distant and fragile, much like the tiny body fighting inside the incubator. Kali leaned forward, her forehead resting against the cool glass. She could see Ziva's minuscule form, swaddled In her swaddle. Her skin was a delicate shade of peach, almost translucent, as Ziva broke free from her swaddle and her tiny fingers moved slightly as if reaching for something just out of his grasp. The sight filled her with a profound sense of love and an equally overwhelming sense of helplessness. She longed to reach out and hold her, to envelop her in her warmth, but the barriers of the NICU kept her at bay as she waited for her baby girls nurse. "How is she doing today?" she asked the nurse, who was adjusting the IV drip attached to Ziva's tiny leg. The nurse, a kind woman with gentle eyes, turned to Kali with a reassuring smile. "She’s stable, Kali. We’re closely monitoring her oxygen levels, and she’s responding well to the treatments. It’s still a long road ahead, but she’s a fighter and she is very feisty she has pulled her wirses off more than once today and she had a few episodes of apnea last night where she forgot to take a breath" the nurse said, her tone laced

with optimism. Kali appreciated the nurse's words, but they felt like a thin veil over the reality of the situation. Every time she heard the word "stable," it felt like a fragile promise, one that could shatter at any moment. Kali’s phone buzzed in her pocket, pulling her from her thoughts. It was a text from Cole, and her heart lifted slightly at the sight of his name. He had been her rock throughout this ordeal, balancing his demanding job with the

emotional toll of their current circumstances. She quickly opened the message. *Just finished my shift. On my way Home. Did you make it there safe?.*She smiled, feeling a warmth in her chest. Cole had been

there for her every step of the way, from the moment sje learned and that alonso and her were expecting and through Alonso's words of not being their. But when Ziva was whisked away to the NICU, Alonso wasn't there. Kali was thankful for her parents who were there for it all. As she waited for her parents to arrive, Kali’s thoughts drifted back to the day Ziva was born. Kali’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. She turned to see her mom Brittany entering the NICU, her expression a mix of exhaustion and determination. She approached her, her eyes softening as they met hers. Without a word, she wrapped his arms around her and gave her a great big hug, feeling the weight of the past month lift, if only for a moment. “How’s my little ?” she asked, glancing at the incubator. Kali gestured toward Ziva as her voice barely above a whisper. “She’s stable today,” she replied, her heart swelling with pride and fear. Brittany’s gaze lingered on her granddaughter, and in that moment, Kali could see the love and concern etched on his face. It mirrored her own. “I can’t believe how tiny she is,” Aaron, his voice thick

with emotion. “She’s a fighter.” Kali smiled through her tears, feeling a rush of gratitude for her parents beside her. They were in this together, even in its most challenging form. As they stood together, watching baby Ziva, Kali felt a sense of determination wash over her. She would do whatever it

took to support Ziva, to be the mother she needed, even if it meant enduring the uncertainty of the NICU. “we will take it one day at a time,” she said, her voice steady. Brittany and Aaron nodded, Together, they would navigate this uncharted territory, facing the challenges ahead with resilience and love. The journey would be long and fraught with obstacles, but they were ready to fight for baby Ziva the newest addition to the family. As the hours passed, Kali settled into a routine, spending her days at the NICU, learning the intricacies of caring for a premature baby. She attended meetings with doctors and nurses, absorbing information like sponges, determined to be the best mom she could be. Each day

brought new challenges—monitoring feeding schedules, understanding the medical jargon, and witnessing the emotional rollercoaster that came with each small victory and setback. whimpers, and the fleeting moments when she would open hereyes, revealing the deep pools of blue that reminded her of Alonso. As Kali made shire to tell baby Ziva good things about her father and show her photos so she would recognize him. Those moments became her lifeline, a reminder of the love that existed beyond the walls of the NICU. As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow through the windows, Kali leaned back in her chair, exhaustion creeping

in. She closed her eyes for a moment, allowing herself to breathe in the scent of her daughter, the sterile yet comforting aroma of the NICU. She texted with Cole making plans for the weekend when she came home. It was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there was still light to be found. Kali opened her eyes, her gaze drifting back to Ziva as Kali smiled and she loved spending every moment sje could with her.She knew the road ahead would be long, filled with uncertainty and fear, but she also felt a flicker of hope igniting within her. she was ready to fight for her daughter and for the future that she dreamed of. Kali found solace in the small moments: the way Ziva would grasp her finger with his tiny hand, the sound of her loud different Cries which amazed Kali that such a loud cry came from a tiny person, and the fleeting moments when she would open her eyes, revealing the deep pools of blue that reminded her of Alonso. Those moments became her lifeline, a reminder of the love that existed beyond the walls of the NICU. As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow through the windows, Kali leaned back in her chair, exhaustion creeping in. She closed her eyes for a moment, allowing herself to breathe in the scent of her son, the sterile yet comforting aroma of the NICU. igniting within her. They would face this together, as a familey.