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“I took the liberty of setting up an appointment with a doctor who specializes in pediatric thalassemia. We can go there, or we can go to the hospital you always go to. It’s your call.”
When I lift my gaze, I find his eyes trained on me. There’s no judgment, no pity— just genuine concern in his gaze.
I smile at him. “Thank you. I think it’d be good to get another opinion on Ava’s case.”
He reaches for my hand and places a kiss on my engagement ring. My knees go weak at the gesture—this man is so thoughtful. Swoony, even.
Ava claps from the backseat, and when I turn to look at her, her eyes are shining, and a huge grin is spread across her face. Vicente winks at her before starting to drive.
The hospital is in Kensington, a borough I’ve always thought of as elegant and exclusive. Even though I’ve read about this particular doctor, I knew I could never afford him—not even now that I’m making decent money.
Vicente checks us in at the reception desk, and we’re led to an examination room. As we walk, Ava places herself between us, clutching both our hands.
I swallow hard at the sight.
Has she ever dreamed of having a dad?
Now that Vicente is around, she’s enjoying every single minute of it. It’s not something that has ever come up in our conversations. She knows who her dad was—that he went to heaven before she was born—but she has never mentioned wanting another dad.
I thought she was happy with the life I’ve created for us. But maybe I need to ask her directly—ask her thoughts on having a father figure in her life.
I make a mental note to talk to her tonight.
“Mr. Godoy, nice to meet you. I’m Dr. Jane Gupta,” the doctor says, greeting Vicente as they shake hands.
“Ms. Flores, what a pleasure,” she says as we shake hands.
“And who do we have here?” Dr. Gupta asks, leaning down in front of Ava, who immediately hides behind me.
“Oh, no need to be shy. I’m Dr. Gupta. Today, all I want to do is chat with you and your Mummy about why you’re falling so much. Then, I’d like to listen to your heart and check your lungs, knees, and feet. That’s it. Does that sound like a good plan?”
Ava peaks from behind me and nods.
“Excellent. Please, Mr. Godoy and Ms Flores, take a seat. Ava, come with me.”
Dr. Gupta helps Ava sit on the examination table, and I can see her eyes starting to water—she’s scared.
Without thinking twice, I get up from my seat and go to stand next to her.
“Do you need your mum close by?” Dr. Gupta asks gently.
Ava nods, and I immediately hold her hand. She squeezes mine hard.
I explain how Ava has been falling more than usual lately, and how, just yesterday, the bleeding took much longer than usual to stop.
“Hmm, alright. Let’s see.” Dr. Gupta approaches Ava slowly, asking permission to examine her.
As she begins, my heart aches at the sight of the dark purple bruises on her legs. When Dr. Gupta removes Ava’s shoes and presses on her left ankle, Ava winces in pain. The same happens with her other ankle, and as the doctor checks each of her joints, my girl winces and squeezes my hand incessantly.
It takes everything in me to remain calm and keep from crying as I watch my baby endure so much pain. How I wish I were the one suffering, not her.
“It looks like Ava’s joints need some extra care,” Dr. Gupta says with a kind expression. “I recommend massaging her joints every night before bed. A nice, warm bath might also help.”
I nod, making another mental note to pamper my girl at night.
I also make a note to thank Vicente for bringing us here. It’s evident Ava needed a second opinion on her joints and a better plan of action—he truly cares about her. About us.
“Also, what kind of exercise do you enjoy the most Ava?” the doctor asks.