The doctor looked up in surprise, glanced behind me and then nodded in understanding.
Since there was no one to sign for me, I couldn't choose the painless option, even for an abortion.
As I lay on the operating table, I could distinctly feel the child leaving my body.
The pain was sharp and excruciating, as if it were tearing me apart.
‘I'm sorry, baby. It's Mommy's fault, I couldn't protect you.’
"During the procedure, the pregnant woman suffered a perforation, leading to severe bleeding! Quickly! Get in touch with the patient's family!"
I fainted from the pain, but a nurse pushed me awake. "Where is your family’s phone number? You’re bleeding heavily, we need to contact them immediately..."
"The contact number for the child’s father is on the file!"
***
"Mr. Prescott, your wife is undergoing an abortion at the hospital and has severe bleeding. We need you to come and sign the paperwork!"
The nurse anxiously called out my name.
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line.
"Lyra, are you trying to set up a scene with the doctor now? Wait until you're dead, then tell me to come collect the body!"
The line went dead with a busy tone and the operating room was in chaos.