In January, Margaret faced menopause. At first, it didn’t cause any significant issues. There were no infamous hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations, or headaches. Her periods simply stopped, signaling the beginning of a new phase in life.
Margaret didn’t visit a doctor, as she was well-read on the subject and often discussed it with her friends, who said she was lucky to handle menopause so easily.
But soon, strange things began happening to Margaret. She realized these were hormonal changes that would not pass without leaving some mark. This manifested in inexplicable mood swings, dizziness, and weakness.
Margaret found it increasingly difficult to bend down to her granddaughter Lizzie, lost her appetite, and experienced new kinds of back pain. In the mornings, her face would often swell, and by evenings, her legs would do the same. For a while, Margaret overlooked these ailments. Her daughters-in-law were the first to express concern, saying, “Mum, you look pale. See a doctor, get an ultrasound, don’t ignore it, it might be serious.”
Margaret remained silent, as doubts about her health had already long settled in her mind. Soon, she started experiencing severe breast pain and lower abdominal discomfort that disrupted her sleep. Many sleepless nights, as her husband quietly snored next to her, Margaret lay awake, staring at the ceiling, shedding tears as she contemplated the future and reflected on the past.
She wasn’t ready to die! After all, she was only fifty-two, not even retired yet. She and her husband were planning to buy a countryside cottage to spend more time in nature. Her sons had great careers, and her daughters-in-law were respectful and helpful with choosing attire to flatter her figure. Her only granddaughter, Lizzie, was a joy, fully occupied with figure skating and about to start first grade in the fall. Life seemed to have flown by so fast! It felt as if she hadn’t lived at all. She’d just recently seen her youngest get married and was still awaiting grandkids from him when this illness struck! Margaret wiped her tears on the corner of her duvet, but they continued to fall. The mornings revealed dark circles under her eyes and a drawn complexion.
Margaret barely made it through spring and summer until by autumn, her condition had worsened significantly. Her breath was short, her back pain severe, and her abdominal pain intolerable. Finally, she decided to see a doctor and confide in her husband about her suffering. The entire family, almost, accompanied Margaret to her appointment. Her husband, Andrew, waited in the car with their elder son, while both daughters-in-law stayed in the waiting area.
Awkwardly climbing onto the examination table, Margaret blushed with embarrassment as the doctor asked her questions about her last period, when she felt unwell, and her last check-up. Margaret’s responses were slow and drawn-out, feeling cold as the doctor filled out forms, washed her hands, and put on gloves.
The doctor examined Margaret thoroughly, growing increasingly concerned. After quickly saying “Get dressed,” she picked up the phone. Margaret shakily tried to put on her skirt, her anxiety mounting as she listened to the doctor’s conversation.
“The oncology clinic?” the doctor nearly shouted into the phone. “From practice five. I have a severe case here, needing urgent consultation. Yes, yes… It seems advanced. I can’t find the uterus. Fifty-two… First-time visit. Yes, exactly… Knowledgeable people, yet won’t see a doctor until it’s too late. Yes, sending her over.”
Finishing the call, the doctor started preparing some papers.
“Did you come here alone, ma’am?”
“No, with my husband, our kids, we drove,” Margaret whispered, feeling sudden intense pain throughout her body. Her breath caught, her legs buckled, and she wanted to scream. Leaning against the doorframe, Margaret burst into tears. The midwife rushed into the corridor and called out, “Whose family is here for Parker? Come in!”
Her daughters-in-law rushed into the office. Seeing Margaret, they immediately understood. Margaret wept and writhed in pain, barely catching the doctor’s words about urgency, oncology ward, second floor, the on-duty doctor is waiting… directions, card… Too late, I’m sorry… Why wait so long, knowing better…
They drove in silence. Andrew didn’t hold back his sniffles, wiping tears with the back of his hand. Their son focused on the road, gripping the wheel tightly. In the back, the daughters-in-law supported Margaret from both sides as her strength ebbed. Margaret groaned, and when the pain became unbearable, she cried out, causing Andrew to sob even more.
Occasionally, the pain subsided for a moment, allowing Margaret to glance at the passing autumnal foliage through the car window. Silently, Margaret was saying goodbye to her family, her husband, and her granddaughter Lizzie. No more spoiling her with homemade pastries. Who would now take her to first grade or greet her after school? Who would hug her tightly, kiss her, and admire her first achievements?
Margaret didn’t have to wait long at the clinic. She was admitted immediately. Her family huddled in terror by the window, too afraid to sit. Andrew no longer cried but stared blankly. Her daughters-in-law clutched tissues, and her son swayed silently.
Something frightening seemed to take place in the room where Margaret was taken. First, a beet-red nurse rushed out and down the corridor. Then, a senior doctor in surgical scrubs entered quickly, followed by several more medical staff rushing in.
When a loud crash echoed from down the hall, the family instinctively turned to the source: the nurse and two orderlies were pushing a rattling hospital gurney. As soon as it disappeared through the wide door, the family realized it was over. Andrew clutched his head, moaned, and the daughters-in-law began searching their bags for heart medicine, while a muscle in their son’s cheek twitched.
Suddenly, the door flew open again. The gurney with Margaret, covered by a sheet but with her face exposed, was being wheeled out by a flurry of medical staff. Margaret’s face was pale, eyes wide with shock. Pushing aside the daughters-in-law, Andrew rushed toward his wife. The senior surgeon blocked his way.
“I’m her husband,” Andrew shouted, watching the gurney recede. “Let me say goodbye. Margaret, my love, how can this be, we planned to go together…”
“You planned enough,” the nurse muttered, locking the wide door. “Don’t disturb, sir, she’s giving birth. The head’s about to crown…”
In the delivery room, there were two women: Margaret and a young student, perhaps. Both screamed together, and simultaneously settled into silence between contractions. Doctors and midwives bustled around each of them. An experienced professor calmly moved between them, giving instructions.
“Why are we suffering?” the professor asked during one break.
“For that damned drink, it’s all its fault,” moaned the student.
“And you, Mum?” queried the professor, patting Margaret’s leg.
Margaret was silent for a moment, then quietly whispered, “For love, I suppose. What else? My birthday with my husband. Fifty-two. Had a bit of fun…”
“Quite the fun, I’d say,” the professor chuckled. “Didn’t you notice anything?”
“If only I knew, if I could think… What shame! I’m a grandmother already. Always been heavy, no one called me by my name since twenty due to my figure… Thought I had menopause and cancer…”
“It’s life, not terminal illness,” the professor waved dismissively. “Errors happen. Time to push. Your surprise is ready!”
The midwife emerged, brimming with importance—something special to share with friends!
“Margaret Parker. Family present?”
“We are,” came the chorus as her family stepped forward.
“Congratulations,” the midwife said with curiosity toward the men. “And who’s the father?”
“Me,” Andrew croaked, still in disbelief.
“It’s him,” the daughters-in-law confirmed, pointing.
“Amazing,” the midwife couldn’t contain her awe, adding with respect, “A boy, three point five kilograms and fifty-one centimeters. Start the party, Dad! Just in time for the birth. What a wonder. Why take her to oncology, beats me…”
