The news of a newly resurrected mother might be misinterpreted. What if she thought Barbara had simply abandoned her? That confession wasn’t the priority right now. The crucial task was finding a way to help Mia.
Yes, she was innocent. Barbara was certain of that. But mere words wouldn’t help.
Then Barbara remembered, about a year ago, the wife of a prominent capital lawyer had given birth in their maternity hospital. They’d been visiting relatives in the countryside when his wife went into labor in her eighth month. The lawyer had been distraught, blaming himself for bringing his pregnant wife to such a remote location.
But Barbara had managed to turn the baby herself. And it was born perfectly healthy. The infant needed to stay in the hospital with its mother for a while, but all turned out well.
The lawyer had expressed profound gratitude to Barbara, saying he was in her debt, and gave her his card just in case. The woman had simply smiled, but kept the business card. Now, Barbara was frantically searching for that business card.
Fortunately, she found it at the bottom of her handbag. Mr. Flanagan, hello! Barbara began the conversation excitedly. The lawyer immediately recognized her, and expressed joy.
After briefly discussing his son and wife, they turned to the matter at hand. Barbara explained Mia’s situation. Yes, the case is difficult, the lawyer agreed.
But I don’t understand why you care so much about this girl. I know you have a good heart, but perhaps things aren’t exactly as she told you. This girl, as you put it, is my daughter, said Barbara, swallowing a lump in her throat.
She revealed everything, about the scar, her husband, the blood type, all of it. You’re certain, the lawyer asked. More than certain.
Then I’ll take the case, he replied firmly. Mr. Flanagan, I’ll pay whatever you ask. Dr. Gibbs, please, you saved my child, and I will save yours.
I won’t accept any payment. Here’s what we’ll do. Tomorrow morning, I’ll visit the investigation committee and begin working on this.
Stay calm. Even if Mia leaves your hospital tomorrow, she won’t remain in the colony for long. Your task is to negotiate with guardianship, to prevent the baby from being sent to an orphanage right away.
By law, we can keep a child in our hospital for a medical examination for a month. That’s wonderful. This conversation gave Barbara hope that everything would work out.
Even the guards stationed outside Mia’s room since night didn’t worry her. Mr. Flanagan would handle everything. The next morning, Mia was transferred to the prison hospital.
In the corridor, Barbara managed to whisper that a lawyer from the capital had taken her case. Be patient. Your ordeal will soon be over.
She squeezed the girl’s hand. Get away from the prisoner. The guard barked.
Barbara stepped back without argument, offering Mia only a smile. Dr. Gibbs, will you look after Sue? Mia called out desperately. Sue? Barbara paled.
I named my daughter that. Of course I will, she replied. Later, she gazed at the door behind which Mia had disappeared under escort.
Sue. That was Barbara’s mother’s name. Why had Mia chosen that name? She couldn’t possibly have remembered her grandmother’s name.
Blood memory? Barbara could find no other explanation. Barbara went to the nursery where little Sue lay. The baby was awake, her blue eyes taking in the world, unaware of the struggle surrounding her and her mother.
My little girl, my granddaughter, Barbara whispered. Grow up, gain strength. I’ll pray that everything works out.
She touched the baby’s soft cheek, feeling a sweet warmth spread through her. Leaving the nursery, Barbara contemplated whom to contact about Sue’s guardianship. She encountered the department head, recently returned from a business trip.
Quite a day yesterday, Dr. Gibbs. He smiled and continued. First day we’ve had a prisoner give birth here.
Good that she’s been moved. I’ll arrange to have the baby transferred soon. There could be complications.
Please don’t rush with the child. Barbara met his eyes firmly. Dr. Johnson, if possible, I’d like to take the child myself.
Barbara, what are you thinking? The department head exclaimed. This isn’t a kitten. It’s a baby requiring constant care.
How will you manage? What about work? I understand maternal instinct, but why take this on? You’re not young anymore. And when the convict is released, what then? Dr. Johnson, so many questions. Barbara smiled.
I’ve made my decision. If they grant me custody, I’ll take maternity leave. Barbara, I won’t allow it.
Kenneth, enough! Barbara waved him off and walked away. She wasn’t going to explain anything to the head doctor, who had asked her out more than once while he was married. No, he wasn’t bad or vindictive.
Just now, all explanations were unnecessary. Barbara was going to the guardianship office, where the chief specialist was a woman whom she had helped in labor. Barbara hoped to persuade her to grant temporary custody of Sue.
It wasn’t easy, but Barbara succeeded. Within a week, they gave her the little girl. As promised, she took vacation leave.
Her colleagues were shocked. No one understood why she, an excellent specialist devoted to her work, suddenly gave up everything to care for a convict’s child. Several months passed.
Barbara cared for Sue, and the baby grew healthy, resembling her mother more each day. Her eyes turned green and blonde curls formed atop her head. Grandmother admired her little granddaughter.
Yes, she was certain Mia was her daughter. No DNA tests were needed. Sue was an exact copy of little Mia, just as Barbara remembered her.
Throughout this time, she wrote to her daughter, describing Sue’s development and their daily life, but she never hinted about who Mia truly was. The time wasn’t right. Mia’s case underwent review.
The investigation was difficult and lengthy. After three months, the lawyer gathered all the evidence proving Nigel was guilty of the crime for which Mia was serving time. Nigel was arrested, and Mia was finally acquitted and released from the colony.
It was early summer. She stepped outside the prison gates and breathed in the fresh air. God, freedom! Soon she would see her daughter fall at Dr Gibbs’s feet and thank her for everything.
The lawyer had told her who hired him. Mia couldn’t believe it. How could a stranger stand up for her just like that? On the bus riding down the gravel road, Mia’s thoughts raced.
Yes, Dr Gibbs helped her, but what next? She needed to restore her rights. But would the guardianship office return her child? She had a place to live, but no job. How would she work? What would she live on? An allowance? But that still needed to be arranged.
And what if Dr Gibbs didn’t want to give up Sue? Doubts and questions tormented the unhappy mother. Finally, the familiar village appeared where she had given birth last spring. She knew Dr Gibbs’s address from the letters.
After asking passers-by for directions, she walked on. There stood the house, nestled among trees. Her daughter lived here now.