Chapter 3
Sitting on the pew in the hospital chapel, Bruno watched anxiously as the doctor emerged from the operating room. Fear mixed with hope in her heart as she rushed towards him, eager to learn the fate of her beloved.
-Doctor! Doctor! How is she? he asked urgently.
-I cannot say whether she is well or not, but the operation was successful, the doctor replied, slowing his pace.
-Yes, I understand, but my wife... How is she? Bruno insists, his voice strained with emotion.
-Unfortunately, there's been a complication and the decision on how to proceed is up to you, the doctor announces, his voice heavy with seriousness.
-Please, tell me what's wrong, Bruno pleads, his throat tightening with fear.
-Your wife is suffering from chronic pain in her lower abdomen," the doctor explains, his eyes filled with compassion.
-What? Chronic pain? Bruno reacts in horror.
-The miscarriage caused complications in her fallopian tubes and uterus, so...the doctor begins, before being interrupted.
-Isn't there a medicine or a solution? Bruno clings to a glimmer of hope.
-The only solution is to remove the uterus; the doctor says with sadness in his eyes.
-A removal... But that means she can't have children? Bruno realises as pain pierces him.
-That's right. A hysterectomy is necessary to prevent future suffering, the doctor confirms, his voice full of compassion.
Bruno's world collapses. He feels himself sinking into an abyss of darkness, overwhelmed by the weight of the news. He collapses on the hospital floor, overcome by grief, hot tears streaming down his cheeks.
The doctor kneels beside him, trying to offer some comfort in this moment of despair.
-I know it's hard, but it's the best solution, he whispers, placing a comforting hand on Bruno's shoulder.
-Why us? Why me? Bruno moans, his heart broken.
-That's life, my boy. Sometimes it's cruel and unfair, the doctor replies, his voice filled with sadness.
- Can I... Can I see her? Bruno asks, his voice choked with sobs.
- Of course. She's still under anaesthetic, but she'll wake up soon, the doctor assures him, getting up to accompany Bruno to Oriane's room.
Inside, Oriane lay on the hospital bed, her pale face betraying the pain and suffering she had endured. She burst into tears at the sight of her husband, her heart broken by the cruel irony of fate.
- I'm so sorry, darling... So sorry, she sobs, tears streaming down her cheeks.
-There's no need to apologise, my love. No one could have foreseen this," Bruno whispers, tears in his eyes.
The conversation between them continues, a mixture of pain, hope and acceptance. They are aware that their lives have taken an unexpected and painful turn, but they are determined to face this challenge together, hand in hand. Meanwhile, Oriane's pain is not limited to her body. Her mind is tormented by the cruel words of her mother-in-law, who, with no regard for her pain, overwhelms her with reproaches and accusations.
- Why do you say 'welcome' to me? Where is my son? I want to see my son, she demands, her eyes full of contempt.
-But Mama, he left for work this morning. Is there a problem? Oriane asks, trying to defuse the situation.
-Maternity leave? Where is the child? No, tell me, where is the child? she repeats, her accusatory tone piercing Oriane.
Feeling helpless and hurt by these harsh words, Oriane finds herself trapped in a situation that is completely out of her control. She tries in vain to justify her innocence, but her mother-in-law's words are like so many blows to her wounded heart.
-Mum, please, I don't think you came here to insult me, she tries to reason, her eyes filled with sadness.
-Insult? Stupid, Yossa retorts, her tone laced with sarcasm.
This situation illustrates the emotional challenges Oriane faces in addition to her physical condition. Her mother-in-law's lack of empathy and understanding adds a layer of emotional distress to her already difficult circumstances. It underlines the importance of family support and compassion in times of crisis, which Oriane and Bruno desperately need but find lacking from certain family members.
Despite the pain and injustice inflicted upon her, Oriane chooses to hold her head high, refusing to be brought down by her mother-in-law's venomous attacks. She perseveres stoically, determined to maintain her dignity and integrity in the face of adversity.
In such a delicate situation, Oriane could have chosen to give in to anger and frustration. But she chooses the path of resilience, drawing strength from her love for Bruno and her faith in a better future. Even when the challenges seem insurmountable, she knows that she will find the strength to face them, guided by the light of love and hope.