Chapter 4. Jessica : A fragile dream.

“There you go.” Doctor Lim stopped the pointer at a tiny blob on screen. The petite image looked like a jelly bean to my eyes. “You are definitely pregnant. About six to eight weeks according to these ultrasound measurements.”

Two days after my mother-in-law's birthday dinner. Two days after the euphoria of a positive pregnancy test. My husband and I had had an appointment secured with our Ob-gyn. Now we were both in her practice room, both staring at the ultrasound screen in awe.

“It's so tiny.” Yuri commented, leaning over to see better but not letting go of my hand.

“It is.” YoonA, our doctor, laughed while cleaning my belly from the ultrasound gel. “What you see is actually just the gestational sac. Your baby is too tiny to be detected by simple ultrasound at this point.”

Yuri leaned closer and our doctor explained again. “But the magic is happening every second now, your baby's brain is starting to take shape, along with the heart, lungs, and intestine.”

“All of those in this tiny sac?” Yuri pointed at the screen.

“Yes. That's why mommy needs to stay healthy. The first three months of pregnancy are the most crucial time. Mommy needs to provide all nutrients needed for the baby to grow well.” YoonA handed us the printed version of the picture. “Here, one for the book.”

I took the picture with my trembling hands, staring at it with my teary eyes. I had been waiting for this for so long. I had dreamed of this over and over again. Holding the proof of my baby living inside me felt a little too overwhelming now. I sighed, clutching the picture close to my chest, trying to fight back tears.

My husband helped me up, gathering me in his arms and kissed my forehead. I couldn't find a word, just holding onto him as he helped me sit back on the chair in front of YoonA's desk.

“I'll prescribe prenatal vitamins and something to tone down the nausea.” Doctor Lim wrote in her prescription book while smiling at me. “Eat in small portions but do it often. Avoid lifting heavy stuff and try not to overwork, okay Unnie?”

I nodded.

“Here.” She handed the prescription to Yuri. “Daddy might need to slow down in bed now, spare mom's belly from unnecessary pressure.”

“Oh I'll just skip bed activity until our baby is born.”

YoonA laughed, palming her forehead. “No need for 9 months celibacy, Yul. Mom needs you too. Just be gentle. Mom's and baby's comfort comes first.”

Yuri nodded, hugging me. “Why are you so quiet, baby?” He held me at arm length, eyes looking at mine. “Is something wrong?”

“No.” I gulped. “It's just... I'm afraid I'll cry if I speak. This... I'm so happy.”

“Oh Unnie...” YoonA came around her desk to hug me. “It's okay to cry in joy. Stay positive, okay? Your emotion affects the baby too.”

I nodded, drops of tears actually fell onto my cheeks, but inside I felt extremely happy. My hand went to my stomach almost instinctively, silently hoping for the well-being of the tiny life growing inside.

“I'll see you guys again in a month, okay? If you feel any discomfort or bleeding of some short, call me immediately. Alright, Unnie?”

I nodded again, ready to leave, but Yuri asked more questions about pregnancy. He even collected every single health brochure from YoonA's desk. The good doctor practically had to shove him out of the door telling him she had other patients waiting outside.

“I got too excited, didn't I” My husband leaned back on the car seat, grinning at me. “I'm just so happy.” His hand moved to caress my stomach through my shirt.

“I'm happy too.” I rested my hands on top of his hand, sighing to keep my excitement at bay.

He kissed me on the lips, passionately, reverently, just like he always did. I was about to kiss him back when our car hit a bump on the road.

“Hey.” Yuri tapped at our driver's shoulder. “Slow down. There's a baby Kwon on board.”

I laughed.

“y.”

I jolted in surprise, quickly rolling the hem of my camisole down to cover my belly. I was checking my baby bump when Yuri came out of the bathroom and startled me.

“Are you trying to seduce me or what?” He came up behind me, wrapping his hand around my torso, kissing my exposed shoulder.

I was in nothing but a flimsy camisole and a pair of , couldn't really blame him for getting attracted. Two weeks after my pregnancy got confirmed, my husband still patiently held himself back from having his way with me.

I turned around in his arms. He had just showered. The manly smell of aftershave and the fresh scent of his shampoo invaded my sens