Diem and Quynh were sitting on the couch, watching cartoons, when they heard a soft cry from the kitchen. Curious and a little alarmed, they rushed in to find their mother leaning against the counter, one hand on her growing belly and the other holding a tissue to her nose. Blood had stained the tissue red.
“Mom!” Diem exclaimed. “Are you okay?”
Their mother gave them a weak smile. “It’s just a nosebleed, sweethearts. Nothing to worry about.”
But Diem and Quynh couldn’t help feeling scared. Their mom was seven months pregnant, and they had heard adults say that pregnant women had to be extra careful. Quynh remembered hearing that too much stress or sickness could hurt the baby. Tears welled up in her eyes.
“Should we call Dad?” Quynh asked, her voice trembling.
“It’s okay,” their mother said gently. “Sometimes pregnant women get nosebleeds. My doctor said it can happen because of all the changes in my body. It’s usually harmless.”
Still, the girls weren’t convinced. Diem ran to get a glass of water, while Quynh grabbed a wet towel. They helped their mother to the couch and sat on either side of her, holding her hands tightly.
“I’m scared,” Diem whispered.
Their mother pulled them close. “I know, baby. But I promise, I’m okay. And the baby is okay too. It’s just one of those things that happens sometimes.”
Later that day, their father came home and took their mom to the doctor to make sure everything was fine. When they returned, she hugged the girls tightly.
“The doctor said everything is normal,” she said. “The baby’s heartbeat is strong, and I’m healthy. Thank you for taking care of me.”
Diem and Quynh smiled with relief, their worry fading into warmth. They knew that even though things could be scary, they had each other—and that made all the difference.
