Yesterday Without Time in the amazing life of Kali

Chapter 46: Breathing in Hope

The NICU had become a second home for Kali, a place where time seemed to stretch and contract, where the mundane and the miraculous coexisted in a delicate dance. It had been a month since Ziva was born, and in that time, she had learned to navigate the labyrinth of emotions that came with being the mom of a premature baby. Each day was a blend of hope and trepidation, but as she entered the unit that morning, there was a palpable shift in the air. Kali's heart raced as she approached Ziva's incubator, her eyes scanning the familiar setup of monitors and tubes. The

rhythmic beeping of the machines had become a soundtrack to her life, a constant reminder of the fragility of her Daughter's existence. But today, there was something different. The nurse, a warm presence named Clara, stood by Ziva's side, her expression bright with optimism. “Good morning” Clara greeted, her voice a soothing balm to Kali’s anxious heart. “I have some wonderful news about Ziva.”Kali felt her pulse quicken. “What is it?” she asked, leaning closer to the incubator, her breath catching in her throat. “Ziva has made significant progress. She's been steadily

improving her breathing patterns, and we’re seeing fewer episodes of apnea. She’s getting the hang of it!” Clara’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, and for the first time in what felt like ages, Kali allowed herself to feel a flicker of genuine hope. “Really? That’s amazing!” Kali's voice filled

with a mix of disbelief and joy. She stepped closer to the incubator, peering down at her daughter. Ziva lay swaddled in her soft swaddled, her tiny chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. The sight was both miraculous and surreal, a testament to the strength of their little fighter.“Yes, and she’s also doing exceptionally well with feeding,” Clara continued. “In fact, she’s almost ready to start transitioning to bottle feeding. It’s a big step forward.”

Kali's heart swelled with pride. “SHe’s such a good eater.” she said, her voice thick with emotion. Clara continued to explain the next steps in Ziva's care, her words a comforting melody. “We’ll start introducing the bottle later this week if she continues to do well. And if she keeps up

her progress, we may be able to discuss a potential

discharge date soon.” Kali's breath hitched at the thought of bringing Ziva home. The idea had felt like a distant dream, something she dared

not fully embrace until it was right in front of her. But now, with Clara’s words echoing in her mind, the possibility of a family life outside the sterile walls of the NICU began to take shape. As the morning unfolded, Kali settled into herroutine, feeling buoyed by the positive news. As she held

Ziva's tiny hand, whispering words of encouragement and love to her, as if her voice could weave a protective cocoon around her. Each gentle squeeze of her fingers felt like a promise—a promise that she would always be there for her, no matter the challenges ahead. The days turned into a blur of feeding schedules, diaper changes, and endless consultations with the medical staff. As she learned about the intricacies of premature care, the significance of every small milestone, and the importance of patience. Each time Ziva successfully latched onto a bottle or managed to breathe steadily for longer periods, she celebrated as if she had just conquered the world. Kali found herself growing more confident as a mother. She learned to read the subtle cues in Ziva's expressions, the way her tiny brows furrowed when she was hungry or how her lips quivered when he was uncomfortable. She became attuned

to her needs, finding joy in the simplest moments—like the way she would calm down at the sound of her voice or the way She nestled against her, seeking comfort. Cole would text Kali every chance her got even After long shifts on the police force, he would often talk to Kali about his day, sharing stories of the people he encountered on the streets. As the week progressed, the atmosphere in the NICU shifted. The once-overwhelming scent of antiseptic began to feel more familiar, and the beeping machines no longer felt like ominous reminders of her Daughter's fragility. Instead, they became markers of progress, a testament to the life force

fighting to thrive within the incubator. One afternoon, as Kali sat with Ziva nestled in her arms, she couldn’t help but marvel at how far they had come. The weight of fear that had once gripped her heart was slowly

being replaced by a sense of empowerment. She was learning to trust her instincts as a mother, to believe in Ziva's strength, and to embrace the challenges that lay ahead.“Look at you, little lady,” she whispered, brushing her fingers gently against her cheek. “You’re so strong. I can’t wait to

take you home.”As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue across the

room, Kali felt a sense of peace wash over her. The journey had been fraught with uncertainty, but in that moment, she understood that hope was not just a fleeting emotion; it was a choice. A choice to believe in her Daughter's strength, in their love for one another, and in the future that she was building. And as she gazed down at Ziva, her tiny body nestled against her chest, she knew that no matter how fragile life could be, She would cherish every breath, every moment, and every heartbeat. She would breathe in hope and exhale fear, forging ahead into the unknown with unwavering determination.