Chapter 1396 See Anders Up Close
Shane shifted his gaze from Anders to Dr. Holden and asked the question not only the kids were wondering, but the question Natalie desperately wanted to know the answer to. “When will my son get to come out of the incubator?”
Dr. Holden adjusted his glasses and answered, “Anders is only seven months old. Even though his condition can’t be compared to the average newborn, proper treatment has strengthened his immune system. He will be incubator-free when he’s nine months old.”
“Nine-month-old…” Shane pressed his lips into a line. “There’s about another month.”
“Yes.” Dr. Holden nodded.
Sharon started counting on her fingers but couldn’t get the number of days in a month. Feeling frustrated, she asked, “Connor, how long is a month that Daddy said?”
“Around thirty to forty days,” Connor responded.
Sharon puckered her lips. “That’s so long.”
“We don’t have a choice. Anders’ body is not well, so he has to stay that long,” Connor said as he glanced at the baby in the incubator with worry and heartache in his eyes.
Shane bent down and ruffled the kids’ heads. “Connor, Sharon, you are aware Anders’ body is weaker because he came to this world when it wasn’t time yet. Anders will have a relatively weaker body for the rest of his life, so you need to take good care of him.”
“Okay.” Sharon nodded. “I will, Daddy. I have a healthy body, so I’ll protect Anders and won’t let any harm get to him, just like how Connor protects me.”
She clenched her little balls of fists with fierce determination.
Connor patted his chest and promised, “Don’t worry, Daddy. I’m the older brother. I will take care of both Anders and Sharon.”
He was smart and had already started tertiary education.
I know Anders won’t be able to play like other kids his entire life. He might not be able to play the sports he loves. All he can do is take good care of himself. Otherwise, he’ll get sick and leave us.
That means Anders won’t be able to work. So he had lost his right to succeed the Thompson Group from the start. He’s fated to live his life on medication and be a carefree man.
So as his older brother, I have to treat him better to make up for what he had lost.
“You’re both so good.” Shane ruffled their heads as gratification filled him.
Shane straightened himself and looked at Natalie with gentleness in his eyes. Seeing she was still looking through the glass window at Anders, he approached her. “Do you want to go in?”
“Can I?” Natalie’s eyes brightened at the offer.
Shane cast a glance at Dr. Holden.
Dr. Holden nodded. “You can. Anders isn’t as weak as his newly-born state. If Mr. and Mrs. Thompson like to see him up close, you may enter, but limit it to five minutes. After all, his immune system is still too weak.”
“It’s fine. Five minutes is more than I can ever wish for.” Natalie sucked in a breath and said gladly.
Five minutes is better than nothing. I have to be grateful for the chance. I can look at him up close for as long as I like after he leaves the hospital.
“Please come this way to change into sterile suits.” Dr. Holden gestured for them to follow him and proceeded to lead the way.
Shane and Natalie held the children’s hands and trailed after the doctor. After a bout of disinfection and changing into sterile suits, they made their way into the nursery.
Seeing Anders so close to her, Natalie let go of Shane’s grip and rushed over to the incubator, finally getting a closer look at Anders sleeping in the incubator. She said with a trembling voice, “Anders, it’s Mommy…”
Anders’ eyes were closed, and his tiny fists were relaxed and placed on the sides of his head. His tiny legs were curved, forming a loop at the tip of his toes. He looked extremely adorable, and Natalie’s heart melted instantly.
Shane stood by Natalie’s side and looked down at his youngest son. A gentle smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
