The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Henry changed out of his clothes and, led by the doctor, made his way to the ICU. Seeing Anastasia hooked up to a ventilator and an IV, his heart twisted with pain, and each step felt heavier than the last. He approached her side. Even in her unconscious state, Anastasia had risked everything for their children, fulfilling their shared dream. Henry gently kissed her hand, his voice barely above a whisper, "Honey, the kids and I are waiting for you to wake up..." He had so much to say, but his throat felt tight with guilt and emotion. If he could take her place, endure the pain for her, he would do it without a second thought. Anastasia lay there, pale and silent, unresponsive on the hospital bed. They say childbirth is like walking through death's door, and even with modern medicine, risks remain. Without Dr. James, Anastasia might not have made it. The Salstroms knew just how much Anastasia had sacrificed, risking her life to bring two healthy babies into the world. They understood her decision was not only out of love for Henry but also for Grandma Anita. Some debts and grievances can never be fully settled, but what Anastasia did was to ease everyone's conscience and help them move past Grandma Anita's passing. Fred and Flynn rushed to the hospital, having gone home the night before, unaware of the situation. It was only in the morning they learned how close Anastasia had come to death. Fred, holding his grandson, said, "Anastasia really went through a lot this time. It wasn't easy for her." Katelyn, cradling her granddaughter and feeding her formula, had heavy bags under her eyes from a sleepless night. "Indeed, it's been tough. Last night, the doctors issued several critical condition notices. It was amniotic fluid embolism, uterine rupture... these kids were literally brought into this world at the expense of Ana's life." She whispered to her granddaughter, "Sweetie, you must honor your mom. She went through so much to have you." Fred asked, "Where's Henry? Haven't seen him." "He's with Ana in the ICU," Katelyn replied. Just then, Salma and Monica arrived with Pattie. Pattie, unaware of her mother's condition, was thrilled to see her siblings. She reached out to touch her brother's hand. Katelyn quickly stopped her, "Pattie, don't touch him. You haven't washed your hands. Your brother's just been born; his immune system is weak. You need to sanitize first." Her words scared Pattie, who thought she'd done something wrong, her smile fading. Salma and Monica felt for her but understood Katelyn's concern for the newborns' fragility. Monica took Pattie's hand, while Salma, exhausted and worried about Anastasia, felt a bit better seeing her grandchildren. Salma leaned in to admire her granddaughter and grandson, longing to hold them, but Katelyn didn't seem inclined to share. Fred noticed Salma's desire to hold her grandchild, a normal grandmotherly wish. "Mother-in-law, come, hold your grandson. He looks just like Henry did as a baby, as if they were cast from the same mold," Fred offered, handing the baby to Salma. Salma smiled and reached out, but Katelyn intervened with a bottle of sanitizer, saying, "Wait, let's sanitize first." She sprayed Salma and her hands, "There are many germs in the hospital. Better safe than sorry." Salma felt a twinge of discomfort but kept a pleasant demeanor, agreeing, "It's best to be cautious." After sanitizing, Salma finally got to hold her grandson. The newborns, fragile and slightly jaundiced, were otherwise healthy, a condition that would improve with feeding and care. "Such a handsome boy, he'll grow up to be as tall and handsome as his father," Salma beamed, pulling out a red pouch she had embroidered, filled with a protective talisman, iron filings, and pigeon droppings-a tradition from her generation. "For my grandchildren, one each," Salma said, "to keep you safe and healthy as you grow." Katelyn, seeing the pouches, asked, "What's inside these, Grandma?" Salma explained the contents, including the pigeon droppings, prompting a shocked response from Katelyn, "How can we put such things on children? There are too many germs, and we don't believe in those old wives' tales anymore." Feiman gave Katelyn a look, suggesting she was being overly sensitive. Monica, unable to stay silent, added, "Katelyn, kids can't be raised in a bubble. They need to be a bit tough. I had one of those talismans as a child, and look at me, perfectly healthy." Monica eagerly took the charm bracelet from Salma's hands, ignoring the sour expression on Katelyn's face, and quickly adorned the twins with it, beaming with joy. "Look how adorable this is! Ana's little miracles, both so beautiful. When they grow up, they'll be unstoppable. My precious ones, I'm your godmother. Nice to meet you, kiddos." Without bothering to sanitize her hands, Monica scooped one of the babies right out of Salma's arms. Katelyn seemed on the verge of protesting, but Feiman gently tugged at her arm, silencing her objection. After a short visit in the hospital room, Monica, Salma, and Pattie left. Monica insisted on driving Salma and Pattie home for some rest, arguing they couldn't all camp out at the hospital. Once back at Southridge Estates, Salma let Pattie go play with her toys. Sitting on the living room couch, weighed down by her thoughts, Salma couldn't shake off the memory of Katelyn scolding Pattie. She realized then that Pattie would never truly be considered a granddaughter by the Salstrom family. Monica, sensing Salma's distress, reassured her, "Auntie, don't worry about it. If Ana's mother-in-law says anything, just pretend you didn't hear her." The idea of having to sanitize before holding one's own grandchild seemed absurd to them both. "It's not really about me," Salma sighed, "I'm just worried Pattie will feel left out." Monica understood her concern. Now that there were two biological grandchildren, Pattie, not being Herman's biological daughter, was likely to be sidelined. "It's hard enough to treat one's own children fairly, let alone a child that's not biologically related." Monica tried to comfort Salma, "Pattie doesn't live at Salstrom Manor; she stays here with Ana and Herman. I'm sure Herman won't play favorites." Salma replied, "But every child feels the warmth of their own family the most." Salma remembered the look of disappointment in Pattie's eyes when she found out Monica had visited the newborns without her. That look of being left out tugged at Salma's heart. Monica also couldn't condone Katelyn's behavior at the hospital. "Ana's mother-in-law used to be so nice. Now, with the newborns, her attitude has shifted. Since when are babies so delicate?" Katelyn's words and actions showed a complete disregard for others' feelings.