Margaret is now 60 years old. Its about time for her to retire, but shes in no rush. Today, she finishes her shift, changes out of her uniform, and heads home. The rain is relentless, and Margaret has forgotten her umbrella. Pulling her hood tightly over her head, she hurries towards the bus stop. Suddenly, she hears the soft cries of a baby a newborn, only days old, is lying on a bench.
She gathers the tiny bundle into her arms, gently trying to soothe him. Seeing how soaked the child is, she rushes back to her workplace for shelter and help. She rings the on-call paediatrician so the little one can be checked over. Hes a boy. About two weeks old. A healthy baby,” the doctor remarks after examining him. “I cant imagine why anyone would leave a child like this. He needs warmth and all the love he can get.
Margaret decides to stay for the night shift she wouldnt be able to sleep after all thats happened. Soon, the police arrive and she gives her statement. The baby never leaves her arms; she stays by his side constantly.
A couple of hours later, the police return with a young couple. The young woman has tears streaming down her face, while the young man looks pale and shaken.
We should see him. He might be ours, says the young woman in a trembling voice.
Both don disposable aprons as theyre led to the childrens ward. When the woman sees her son, she breaks down, overcome with emotion. She grabs her baby and clings to him, unable to let go. Margaret is bewildered, not understanding what’s really going on until a police officer quietly explains:
Hannah and James kept their relationship a secret because their families didnt approve. Hannahs parents came around a little, but Jamess mother was determined to prevent them from staying together. When their son was born, theyd hoped the news would soften her heart and bring the family together. Unfortunately, Jamess mum refused to believe the baby was his and insisted Hannah must have had a child by someone else. The other night, she offered to watch her grandson while the young couple went to the cinema. Instead, she took him and left him outside the hospital.”
Thats how these events unfold. All things considered, its likely the boy will never meet his grandmother again.
