“Uterine atony,” I hear the doctor say as the neonatologist is showing me my brand-new baby. I glance at my blood pressure before looking at my son. My husband didn’t hear. Maybe I should ask him to stay instead of going with the baby. Will they let him if I’m bleeding out? Oh, they’re taking a picture. I should smile. Baby Yousuf. I’m glad this is the last one, in case they have to take my uterus. “Jaan, I’m hemorrhaging,” I tell my husband. He doesn’t hear, too focused on Yousuf. I’ll be okay. He should go with the baby.
Zoya Cheema is a neonatologist who is getting back to her first love, writing short stories and microfiction.