*Colin*
We are led into an office and doctor Welch points to two chairs in front of his desk. "Please sit down".
I hold out the chair for Maddie, before sitting down myself. I try keeping calm, knowing Maddie needs me to be strong. But every move of my body, every word from my mouth feels odd and mechanical, like it is someone else controlling me.
"I know this is all very scary and a big shock, but let's talk everything through and look at the options and what this means". The doctor says very calmly. "Have any of you heard of gastroskisis before ?"
Maddie shakes her head, looking like she could break down any second. I shake my head too. "No, unfortunately not".
"Did I do something wrong ? Is it my fault ?" Maddie asks, her voice breaking.
"Not at all my dear". The doctor says
