It had become part of her morning routine most days, but Eela took deep satisfaction and comfort in her regular appearance in the NICU. The baby she had agreed to spend time with continued to reside in the NICU while her father remained in a coma. So far it didn’t look like his status was going to change and the hunt for other family who might be able to take in the babe continued. For now, she was all alone, aside from those in the NICU who cared for her.

She had not understated to Mika how poignant being in the NICU again was for her. But this was so different than when she had sat in Sickbay on the Berlin with a premature Jourin, struggling to connect with this infant amidst her intense grief.

Arriving on another morning, she checked in and changed into scrubs. A few minutes later, she carefully scooped the baby she called Almai (it meant sweet one in Haliian). “Good morning darling, how are we?” she said as she carefully settled into the rocker. “Any new issues?” she asked the NICU nurse on duty.

“No. In fact, her vitals have improved a bit.”

Eela smiled and brushed the pad of her index finger over the baby’s forehead. “Now that’s the news we want to hear.” She settled into an easy and slow rock. For the time being all thoughts of her own grief and work stress were blissfully absent. It was all about this little girl. She started humming softly.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.