The quiet top of shoes approached followed by the smooth swing of the door. The doctor enter with a small patient smile. As the doctor settled into the chair.
Mary's fingers fidgeting in her lap. Curiosity mixed with unease. She wanted to ask but the words caught somewhere between her throat and her thoughts.
The doctor took a slow breath before opening the file " the result are in." She said softly her tone carefully but steady.
Mary's heart thudded once loud in her chest.
She leaned forward eyes fixed on the doctor's lips waiting for the words that could change everything.
The doctor close the folder and exhaled slowly " before I explain " she began " I like to ask how have you been feeling lately? "
" tired mostly " Mary replied " I wake up feeling heavy like I've been running in my sleep. Sometimes there's this... ache right here "
She pressed a hand to her stomach then dropped it quick embarrassed by the gesture.
She doctor nodded slowly watching her with quiet focus.
Then the doctor took a quiet breath before she spoke her eyes softening with something that made Mary's heart skip.
" your test results came back " she began gently " at first, I thought it might be a stomach problem, but ..." she paused searching for the right word.
Mary leaned forward hands gripping the edge of the chair " But what doctor? "
The doctor offered a small reassuring smile " your not sick you're pregnant. "
For moment the room felt silent. The words seemed to hang in the air echoing in her mind pregnant? Her lips parted but no sound came out.
Her heart thudded in her ears " pregnant?"
She whispered at last her voice trembling " that can't be right...l .l though it was just my stomach problem. "
The doctor nodded softly " it's okay I understand this a lot to take in "
Her mouth went dry as she stared at the doctor the words refused to sink in " pregnant?" She repeated, almost laughing but without a joy " that's... impossible I m 40yrs doctor I thought I was done with all that . I m practically in menopause."
The doctor gave gently nodded her tone calm and understanding " I know it's unexpected but it's does happen sometimes your hormones level are still active enough to allow conception."
Mary snack back in her chair her mind spinning. " No that can't be I was so sure... the nights sweats, the missed periods. I thought it was menopause starting. "
Her voice cracked as she spoke torn between disbelief and fear she pressed her palm against her stomach as if searching for proof, her fingers trembling.
The doctor leaned forward slightly " I understand this must feel overwhelming take your time to process it, your not alone in this.
Mary blink rapidly eyes glistening " I just ... I don't know what to feel ." She whispered " at my age ... a baby?"