332 A Second Opinion (Winona)

"Mommy, why does Henry need to see my doctor?" Abby asks, her small voice cutting through the quiet clinic. She swings her legs from the chair, completely relaxed.

I shift Henry in my arms, his tiny body still not much bigger than some newborn's, even though he's five months old. "We're just making sure he's okay to fly, sweetheart. And Dr. Green will check on you, too. Remember? We have to make sure your heart's doing okay." Abby nods. T like Dr. Green."

I smile, kissing her on the top of her head. She's been through so much already-two heart surgeries and another one looming in a few months. I can't help but worry about her flying across the ocean, even if Dr. Green has been positive. But Henry... Henry's the one who keeps me up at night. Literally.

The door clicks open, and Dr. Green walks in with his usual comforting smile. "Winona, Abby, good to see you both."

a

"Hi, Dr. Green," Abby chirps, swinging her legs a little faster. "We're gonna fly on a plane!"

Dr. Green chuckles as he taps on his tablet. "Flying soon, huh? Well, let's see if we can get you all cleared for takeoff. I'll just get Henry's files up"

I swallow hard, the tension settling back into my shoulders as I glance down at Henry. His breathing is steady, but I can't shake the fear that something could go wrong.

"So, what's the concern today?" Dr. Green asks, his voice calm as he reads.

"It's Henry," I begin, shifting him in my arms again. "His doctor wants us to wait another four weeks for more tests due to him being unsettled, but I just... I don't think we can wait that long. I need to know if he's okay to fly as originally planned."

Dr. Green glances up at me, his face softening. I've reviewed Henry's file. He's had some minor issues, but from what I see, nothing suggests he can't fly. If you've got a full medical team with you, which I assume you will, there's no reason he can't travel." Relief washes over me, but it's faint. I'm still on edge. "You're sure?"

Dr. Green nods, his gaze steady. "Yes. I've seen babies in far more critical conditions fly safely, Winona. You'll have everything you need on that plane-medical equipment, doctors, nurses. If something happens, they'll be able to handle it."

I let out a slow breath, but my fingers are still curled tightly around Henry's blanket. "What about Abby?" I ask, turning to my little girl. "She's doing well, but I'm nervous about her flying. She's got surgery coming up in four months."

Dr. Green taps on his tablet again. "Abby's doing great. Her heart's stable, her latest test results are -excellent. I don't see any reason flying would cause her any issues."

"You're sure?" I ask again, the knot of worry in my chest tightening.

332 A Second Opinion

"Winona," he says gently, "it's your decision. But medically speaking, she's ready. Just make sure she's calm, hydrated, and comfortable. There's no indication flying will pose any risk to her heart." Abby swings her legs a little faster. "See, Mommy? I'm good to go!"

I smile down at her, but inside, I'm still battling the fear I know what Dr. Green's saying makes sense, but...Content is © 2024 .

"What about Henry's doctor?" I ask, frowning. "She's been pushing for more tests, saying we should delay the flight."

Dr. Green tilts his head, considering my words. "It's possible his doctor is being extra cautious. Some doctors prefer to err on the side of caution, especially with preemies or babies who've had complications."

"Yes, I understand,"

"But from what I can see in Henry's records, there's no real reason to delay. At the end of the day, it's your call, Winona. Parents fly with babies in far more serious conditions all the time when it's necessary." I nod, my heart still heavy with doubt. Is the doctor being overcautious? Or is something else on?

Could this be Judy?

The thought creeps in, dark and unsettling. Maybe it's just paranoia. Maybe I'm seeing things that aren't there. But after everything Judy's done... nothing would surprise me. It's all too convenient, this delay. Too perfect. But I don't have any proof. Accusing a doctor of being bribed by Judy? Maybe I'm too cautious. I can't wait to be in another country away from her.

"Thank you, Dr. Green," I say, adjusting Henry in my arms. "I think we'll move forward with the plan to leave next week."

7'll forward you some medical contacts I have in the area. They are the best and luckily you can afford

the best."

"Thanks doctor." I really am thankful to be able to afford the best in this circumstance.

you need anything

Dr. Green gives me a reassuring smile. "You're doing great, Winona. Just let me know if you else before you go. I'm here for whatever you decide."

As I walk out of the clinic with Henry asleep on my chest and Abby skipping beside me, I feel better.

I glance at Abby, her little face full of excitement and innocence. I don't want her to feel any of this stress. She deserves better. Henry, too.

We'll make it to Europe at the end of next week. We have to be there for Jayden.