A Wild Idea

An interminable day passed before Mum was finally transferred out of the ICU. She opened her eyes and smiled weakly at me. She could barely move her lips. ‘Hello, Amiyah.’ I wanted to hold her hand but was afraid of hurting her. Her fingers looked like brittle twigs. I took a deep breath and plunged ahead. I told her what the doctor said. ‘Mum, please, it’s time to give up. You are risking your life.’ I held back my tears. She just shook her head. I fought to keep my voice low, though I wanted to shout at the top of my lungs. ‘Isn’t it enough that you have me? I’ll take good care of you, I promise. You don’t need another child.’ Mum was stubborn. ‘Amiyah, you don’t understand.’ ‘Then make me!’ She smiled indulgingly, like I was a petulant kid throwing a tantrum. A wistful look came into her eyes. She stroked her belly. ‘Amiyah, this baby is the last gift your father left me. I can’t ever give him up.’ ‘But you could die!’ ‘I won’t.’ I gritted my teeth. ‘I went through so much to keep t