I turned sixty last week. Its about time for retirement, but Im not in a particular hurry. Yesterday, after finishing my shift, I changed out of my uniform and set off for home. The rain was coming down in sheets and, as usual, Id forgotten my umbrella. I pulled my hood up tightly and hurried towards the bus stop.
As I walked, I suddenly heard the unmistakable sound of a baby cryingit echoed louder than the rain. There, on a bench, I found a tiny baby, not more than a week or two old, wrapped up but clearly soaked through.
I gathered the bundle into my arms and tried to calm the little one. With no hesitation, I rushed straight back to the hospitalhe was shivering and completely wet. A paediatrician came over promptly to have a look. Its a boy, probably about two weeks old. He seems perfectly healthy. I cant imagine why anyone would abandon him He needs love, and to be doted on, the doctor said, still examining him gently.
That night, I chose to stay for the late shift; I knew my mind wouldnt rest otherwise. Not long after, the police turned up, needing me to fill out a statement about what had happened. All the while, I kept the baby close, not letting go even for a second.
Two hours passed before the police returned, this time with a young couple in tow. The young woman was in tears, and the young man looked absolutely ashen.
Lets see him. He might be ours the girl said, clinging to the young mans hand.
They pulled on the required aprons and quietly followed the nurse into the childrens ward. The moment the girl spotted the baby, she broke down entirely, clutching the little one tightly, her relief pouring out in sobs. She refused to let go.
I stood there, confused, until the police officer quietly explained: Emily and James had been seeing each other secretly because their parents disapproved of their relationship. Emilys parents tolerated it, but Jamess mother was determined to cause trouble. When their son was born, they hoped she might soften up a bit and even welcome the news. But no such luck. She became convinced that Emily had had the baby with someone elsenot true, of course. Last evening, she offered to mind the baby while the young parents went to the cinema but, instead, she left the baby outside the hospital.
So thats how it unfolded. By all accounts, I doubt this little boy will ever see his grandmother again.
