"We've been monitoring Emma, and we've run a few tests while you were at your interview. Would you like to come with me?" Alex nodded silently, rising from his seat. He followed Dr. Patel down the hall until they reached a room where Emma lay on a small crib-like bed, wires connected to him, with monitors softly beeping. Alex is concerned.
"What's all this?" his voice shaking as he looked at the tiny baby surrounded by medical equipment. Dr. Patel gave him a gentle smile.
"We've been keeping Emma stable, and we've run several tests. We discovered something important during our examination. Emma has a congenital heart defect, called Ventricular Septal Defect or VSD… It's a small hole between the heart's lower chambers." Alex's heart stopped for a moment. How had he not noticed this?
"A hole in his heart?" A hole in his heart. Alex's stomach churned at the thought. How did he not know? Was Emma going to be okay? The idea of something so small, yet so life-threatening, terrified him. Dr. Patel nodded in understanding.
"Yes, but the good news is that it's common in newborns... Depending on the size of the defect, it might close on its own as Emma grows. However, right now, we need to monitor his heart regularly. We've also started him on medication to help manage blood flow through the heart, and we'll likely need regular checkups." Alex leaned against the wall, absorbing the news.
"What do I need to do? I want to make sure he's okay… What happens next?" Dr. Patel softened her tone, sensing Alex's rising panic.
"For now, we'll monitor him closely… Emma may need surgery later, but it's too early to say for sure. We did a full examination while you were gone, and he responded well to treatment. He's stable, but it's something we'll have to keep an eye on." Alex sighed, the weight of it all pressing on him.
"I… I don't know how I'm supposed to handle all of this. I'm just a kid myself. How do I know what's best for him?" The doctor smiled warmly.
"You're doing just fine, Alex. The fact that you brought Emma here and want to care for him shows how responsible you are. The medical side, we'll help you with. We'll set you up with all the resources you need." Alex looked at Emma, the tiny baby lying there with his soft breathing. Emma's short and scruffy blonde hair and tiny fingers. He felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility as the doctor continued.
"One last thing, Alex," Dr. Patel said, pulling out a clipboard with some papers.
"Since you brought Emma in, we need someone to take legal guardianship until his situation is clarified. We've checked for missing person reports, but no one's reported him missing. Since you found him and have been caring for him, you can assume guardianship until we know more." Alex swallowed.
"What does that mean for me?" Dr. Patel handed him the papers.
"This is the paperwork for you to sign as Emma's temporary guardian. You'll be responsible for his care and medical decisions. It's a big responsibility, Alex, but we'll help guide you. You'll need to provide some basic information for his birth certificate as well, including his full name." Alex stared at the papers, his hand trembling slightly as he picked up the pen. He glanced at Emma, still so small and vulnerable.
His hand hovered over the paper, the pen feeling too heavy. He wasn't ready for this—he barely knew how to take care of himself, let alone a baby with a heart condition. But then he looked at Emma, so small and vulnerable, and he knew he couldn't walk away.
"His name is Emma," Alex murmured. "I don't know why, but I'm going to keep that… It's who he is now." Dr. Patel nodded.
"That's perfectly fine. We'll get his last name settled when the time comes." Alex stared at the paper. How was he supposed to handle all of this? Just moments ago, he was focused on landing a job, and now he was signing papers to take care of a baby with a heart defect. The responsibility felt crushing, but when he looked at Emma, something in him shifted—it wasn't about him anymore.
With a deep breath, Alex signed the paperwork, Signing the paperwork "Alex Baker" officially taking on the role of Emma's guardian. Officially making the baby boy's name"Emma Baker." The weight of it felt immense, but at the same time, he couldn't imagine letting anyone else take care of the baby he'd found.
As he handed the signed papers back to Dr. Patel, she smiled reassuringly.
"You've made the right decision. Emma's lucky to have you looking out for him." Alex watched as the doctor gently placed the papers into a folder, feeling a mixture of fear and pride. He was responsible for Emma now—for his health, his future, everything. Dr. Patel turned to leave but paused for a moment.
"Remember, Alex, you're not alone in this. If you ever feel overwhelmed, there are resources and people who can help. You're doing great." Alex nodded, but as the doctor walked away, he couldn't shake the feeling that his life had just changed forever.
Alex straightened up, feeling the weight of everything settle on his shoulders. His life had just changed forever, but as he looked at Emma, he knew he wouldn't be facing it alone anymore, he whispered,
"I'll do my best, little guy… I promise."