ThE TWINS DILEMMA

2

Westlake Valley Medical Centre is one of Los Angeles' premier hospitals, renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional patient care services. It is strategically situated in the heart of the city, with its modern architecture giving a blend of sleek glass and warm stone. It was designed to be both welcoming to the eyes and functional to the users.

As Chris and his wife, Sarah, arrived at the entrance, they were greeted by the sight of a beautifully landscaped courtyard, which had blooming flowers and tranquil water settings. The hospital’s entrance was bustling with activity, yet the atmosphere remained calm and orderly, typical of an efficiently managed hospital and dedicated staff base.

Upon entering the spacious reception hall, Chris noticed for the umpteenth time, the high ceilings adorned with soft lighting that created a serene ambiance. She brought Sarah for her antenatal visits on a few occasions when work permitted but each time, the hospital was always a sight to behold. The hall was furnished with comfortable seating areas, where patients and their relatives could relax. Large windows which allowed natural light and cross ventilation enhanced the welcoming atmosphere. To the right was a small café that offered a variety of beverages and snacks for visitors.

Chris guided Sarah, who was gripping his hand tightly with excitement and a hint of nervousness, towards the reception desk. The desk was manned by a friendly receptionist, her smile warm and reassuring.

"Good morning, how can I assist you today?" she asked, her tone professional yet empathetic.

"We're here for my wife’s delivery," Chris replied, trying to keep his voice steady despite his bubbling anticipation.

"Congratulations! If you could please fill out these forms, we’ll get you checked in right away," she said, handing them a clipboard with the necessary paperwork.

As Sarah filled out the forms properly, Chris glanced around, noticing the informational brochures neatly arranged on a nearby stand. They offered insights into the hospital’s various services, from maternity and pediatric care to specialized surgical procedures. The walls were adorned with artwork created by local artists, adding a personal touch to the clinical environment.

Once the forms were completed, the receptionist efficiently processed their information and handed them identification wristbands. "Please wear these at all times during your stay. Now, let’s get you to the maternity ward," she said, signaling for a nurse to assist them. Sarah could recognize her as the friendly Nurse Abby whom she saw frequently during her antenatal appointments.

Nurse Abby approached them, her demeanor calm and reassuring. "Mrs Sarah! Good to see you again.” Sarah was surprised to discover that she could remember her name despite the number of patients she met daily. It must have taken a lot of smartness to achieve that, Sarah thought to herself.

“Follow me, please," she instructed, leading them down a corridor lined with more artwork and informational displays. The floors were polished to a gleam, and the air was filled with a faint, pleasant scent of cleanliness, a subtle but constant reminder of the hospital's high standards of hygiene.

As they walked, Abby engaged them in light conversation, her presence a soothing balm to their nerves. "I forgot to ask all along. Is this your first child?" she asked, smiling warmly.

"Children you mean.” Sarah corrected with a girlish smile.

“Oops. My bad.” Abby said, waving a hand dismissively in the air.

”Yes, it is," Sarah replied, her excitement evident despite the underlying tension in her voice.

"You're in good hands here. Our team is dedicated to making this experience as comfortable as possible for you," Abby assured them.

They soon arrived at the maternity ward, which was a dedicated wing of the hospital designed with the comfort and needs of expectant mothers in mind. The ward's entrance featured a small waiting area for family members, complete with plush seating and a selection of magazines. The walls were painted in soft, calming colors, creating a serene environment.

Abby guided them to a delivery room. The room was spacious and well-equipped, featuring a comfortable bed for the expectant mother, a recliner for the husband or any witnessing relative, and various medical devices discreetly integrated into the design. It also had an inner room which was mainly used as the operating room. A large window offered a view of the cityscape, its bustling energy a contrast to the peacefulness of the room.

“This is the room you're going to move into once it's time. Now I'm going to show you to your private room.” She said as she led them to a room adjacent to the delivery room.

Immediately they were settled inside the room, Chris took the lead as they did their final rehearsal using the hypnobirthing course he purchased for them several months back. Chris had been so intentional and supportive from the word go. He was always willing to stay awake with Sarah past midnight and was always giving her sacral massage and every other necessary massage whenever cramps set it.

“Come in.” Both couples chorused just before the door opened to the beautiful and ever-smiling face of Nurse Abby. Nurse Abby had mostly been the one guiding Sarah during her antenatal visits, and although Sarah had pleaded that she assist in her delivery, it wasn't possible because she was officially assigned to another patient within the time frame Sarah was to give birth.

“Hi, Sarah. I see you're getting ready. I just came by again to wish you all the best.” Nurse Abby said with a smile.

“Like I said earlier,” she continued, “my colleague, Jane, was assigned to you.”

As if in response to the noticeable disappointment on Sarah's face, she added, “I promise you she's good. However, you can always notify me if you need anything.”

Nurse Jane whom Sarah had met on a few occasions was the personal nurse assigned to her. She wished she could tender a request on her nurse of preference but later dismissed it knowing that may cause unnecessary inconvenience at the last minute. Nurse Jane wasn't that bad, she was only less cheerful and not very experienced.

Sarah found Nurse Abby's words sort of soothing. They shared a warm lingering hug and Abby left to attend to her other duties while Sarah faced her reality while earnestly waiting for the appointed hour.