Men group at the door waiting to be buzzed in. Tired eyes glitter with bewilderment and joy.
“First one?” says the one in denim.
“Yeah. Little boy. Michael” says a beaming face.
“Me too. Alan. He’s not my first though. Got a three year old girl.”
The door buzzes open and the fathers sweep through.
“Here they come,” says the nurse to the mothers. A dozen heads turn to their children: “Daddy’s come to take us home. Yes he has. He’s not seen you for hours. No he hasn’t and he can’t wait to see his little daughter. Yes. That’s you, his little daughter, yes.”
Cameras flash and record these moments. Smiles and coos permeate the atmosphere, ripe with newness and warmth. Grandparents begin to pepper the crowds. Clucking grandmas brood over the bundles as Dad stands back, holding a balloon, so proud of his daughter, remembering his times in this ward, delighted to see his family grow.
“Hello Michael. Who’s Daddy’s little boy? Oh you’re a big chap eh son? Aw look at him Denise. He’s got tiny little fingernails.”
“He’s beautiful. The lady next to me had a little boy too. There’s only us two with boys. Loads of little girls.”
“Hear that Michael? Loads of little girlfriends for you here eh?”
Denise gathers up the well-wishing cards and stuffs them into her bag. She pops her head round the curtain separating the beds: “That’s us off now. Good luck with little Alan.”
“Aw thanks love. You too. Hope to see you at mums and tots eventually.”
“Yeah. I’ve got the address in my bag. Bye now, and thanks.”
“Cheerio love.”
Michael nestles in his carrycot, cocooned in white wool. Mum and Dad hold hands as the new family makes its first trip outside.
More tomorrow...
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