Two children, a girl named Serena and a boy named Brandon.
Those were the names I had chosen for them, without any particular meaning. I just thought they sounded nice.
Thinking I lacked culture, my dad sifted through an English dictionary, wanting to change them. But Russel stood up for me, saying, "We shouldn't burden children with adult expectations through their names. They'll have their own lives."
Finally, my dad backed down and accepted the names.
"Alright, you stay at home. I'll accompany Rena to the hospital," my mom decided when I had to go for a postpartum checkup after my confinement period. My dad wanted to join, but my mom stopped it.
I took my daughter to the hospital, leaving my son at home under my dad's care.
The hospital we chose was close and well-equipped, but Karina worked there, and I avoided crossing paths with her at all costs.
"Mom, can you hold Serena while I go for my checkup?" I handed my daughter to my mom when it was my turn for the checkup.
"Sure," my mom took Serena with a smile and sat down on a chair, playing with her.
After the checkup, the doctor suggested I should have a postpartum recovery treatment. Although my condition wasn't bad, having given birth to twins, my pelvic floor muscles needed some restorative treatment.
When the doctor explained the process to me, her phone rang.
"Dinner? Sure, aren't you working today?" Her tone was enthusiastic. "I'll come to see you after I finish work at noon. Is your significant other around?"
"No, he's swamped with work and has returned to Rosemont. That's why I wanted to catch up with you," came Karina's voice from the speakerphone.
I was taken aback. I hadn't expected this doctor to know Karina.
However, she didn't recognize me, even though I was a significant character in the story of Neil and Karina.
"No problem. I'll come to see you after I finish work at noon," the doctor cheerfully replied before hanging up and resuming our conversation about the postpartum recovery package.
I decided against it. The thought of her knowing Karina was a little irritating. I'd rather spend more money and find a postpartum recovery center.
"No need, thank you," I politely declined her offer and quickly left.
At that moment, Serena started crying, probably because she was hungry. I quickly picked her up to soothe her, and only after she fell asleep did I breathe a sigh of relief and head back home.
My car was parked just outside the hospital. As my mom and I were about to leave, we saw Karina approaching.
Her long hair dyed a gentle light brown, shimmered under the sun, making her look like a doll.
I was puzzled. The doctor had arranged to have lunch with Karina. Why was she here so soon?
My mom recognized her immediately, took Serena from me, and urged me, "Go start the car. Let's go home!"
"Alright," I ignored Karina and headed straight for my car.
Karina called out to me, "Ms. Finch, I think I owe you an apology."
I didn't respond. I didn't care about her apology; I just didn't want to be bothered.
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