Chapter 3 Hospitalization

Juniper took a moment, then got up and started packing her stuff.

Luckily, she had allergy meds ready to go, or she'd be in a real mess today.

After popping the allergy pill, Juniper felt that familiar wave of frustration wash over her.

There was this one time with Magnus when she accidentally had an allergic reaction to some booze.

They didn't have any allergy meds at home, and her skin broke out in these nasty red rashes. Magnus freaked out and rushed her to the hospital.

That night, Magnus held her close and said, "Juniper, you can't drink anymore. I can't lose you, ever."

Since then, Magnus was always on high alert, making sure she stayed away from alcohol.

The more love there was back then, the more it hurt now that it was gone.

As she left the private room, Juniper's phone rang. It was her neighbor, sounding frantic, "Juniper! Get to the hospital quick, Jenny just fainted!"

Outside the ER, Juniper paced back and forth, anxiety eating at her. She shouldn't have gone out today. If she'd been home, Jenny wouldn't be going through this.

Her neighbor had found Jenny curled up on the floor, struggling to breathe, and called an ambulance right away.

Juniper couldn't bear to think about what might've happened if her neighbor hadn't found Jenny.

Her guilt grew, and she slid down the wall, feeling utterly helpless.

If something happened to Jenny today, Juniper didn't know how she'd go on.

William Anderson walked over and asked, "Are you okay? Do you need to rest for a bit?"

Hearing William's comforting words, Juniper looked up weakly. "Dr. Anderson?"

William said, "The nurse told me Jenny was brought in by ambulance again, so I came to check on her. When I got here, I saw you sitting here. Is Jenny's condition serious?"

She shook her head. "I don't know. Jenny was fine when I left today, but she suddenly fainted and had trouble breathing tonight."

William patted her shoulder. "Don't worry, Jenny probably had a relapse. Since she got here quickly, it shouldn't be too serious. By the way, I've mentioned the PDA closure procedure before. When are you planning to get it done for Jenny?"

Juniper looked down. Jenny had a heart condition since she was little, but it was just a PDA, which could be fixed with a procedure.

William had brought it up multiple times, but Juniper couldn't get past her fear.

Jenny was so young, how could she go through surgery?

Juniper was terrified. Plus, even if she agreed to the surgery, she didn't have the money for it right now.

William's face turned serious. "I've always recommended the surgery, but now Jenny's condition is getting worse. We can't delay this any longer; the surgery needs to happen soon."

Juniper nodded. "I understand, Dr. Anderson. Thanks for taking care of Jenny."

William said, "It's all part of the job, no need for thanks."

Juniper hesitated for a moment before asking, "Dr. Anderson, will the PDA closure procedure be very painful?"

"No, it's a minor surgery. Jenny's young, so she'll bounce back quickly. After the surgery, she'll be just like any other kid." William's expression suddenly turned serious. "If you're unsure, why not talk to Jenny's father? You've always come here alone and never mentioned him."

Juniper's eyes darkened at the mention of Jenny's father. "I'll discuss it with him."

Soon, Jenny was wheeled out of the operating room, looking small and fragile with tubes attached to her. Thankfully, her condition was stable, and she was moved to a regular ward.

Probably due to the meds, Jenny slept until midnight before waking up.

Juniper, still wrestling with the decision about the surgery, couldn't sleep.

"Mom..." Jenny's weak voice broke Juniper's thoughts. "Jenny, did you sleep well? Are you feeling okay?"

Jenny shook her head and smiled sweetly. "I'm fine, Mom. My illness..."

Juniper patted her head. "It's okay. Dr. Anderson said you're very strong, and it's just a minor cold. With some rest, you'll be better soon."

Jenny said, "I'm sorry, Mom, for making you worry today. I'll eat well and eat more veggies, so you won't have to worry anymore!"

Juniper hugged her tightly. "That's right. My Jenny is the strongest girl."

As they hugged, Jenny sniffed and then asked, "Mom, did you drink alcohol?"

Juniper felt a bit guilty. "I went out with friends today and had a little bit. Jenny, you've slept for so long, are you hungry? How about I get you something to eat?"

Kids were easy to distract, and Jenny quickly forgot about the alcohol. She replied cheerfully, "I want canned peaches. Grandma always gave them to me when I was sick!"

Just then, the door opened, and William walked in with a small jar of canned peaches and a meal. "Who wants canned peaches?"

Jenny's eyes lit up. "Wow! Uncle William, how did you know that?"

William grinned. "I'm a superhero. I can chase away your pain and read your mind."

Juniper watched them with a smile.

William then said to Juniper, "You should eat something too. After taking care of Jenny for so long, you must be hungry."

She took the meal from him. "Thank you, Dr. Anderson."

William's tone turned serious. "It's nothing. As your friend, I should be helping out with Jenny. You don't have to handle everything on your own, Juniper."

His intense gaze made Juniper look away quickly. She knew how William felt about her, but she couldn't return his feelings. Every time she thought about it, she felt too guilty to face him.