Arrivals in the Maternity Ward

Chapter 7
Bonusending 1: New Life

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Chapter Description: The Lockneys leave the maternity ward for their new life. How will Dylan adapt to it and how will his relationship to his sister and his mother form as Stan’s presence slowly fades? Based on a chat with an AI about the proper treatment of age regressed people ... I wasn't disap-pointed. Thanks to Areat for going through it and helping me with the polish.

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Important note:
The song “Together We Stand,” written by Gary Barlow and featured in Boss Baby 2 (owned by DreamWorks Animation), is used here purely for creative, non-commercial purposes. I do not own the rights to this song, and no copyright infringement is intended. This work is a fan-created piece and not intended for any profit or commercial distribution. If there are any concerns regarding the use of this material, please contact me, and I will address the matter promptly.

 

Okay, to clarify: I wanted to use the lyrics of the song above as background for this Bonusending. Yet, I took a look at the legal risks and literally today said “nope”! Call me a coward, but I won’t leap in this tank of sharks. I hope you understand!

 

If you really want to enjoy it the way I intended and experience it myself in my mind, maybe listen to said song while reading or find the lyric yourself … it is an amazing one and so fitting to the story … alas …

 

Lyric

 

Back from the hospital, Maria carried Dylan and Emily into their home for the first time. Emily’s eyes were wide with wonder, taking in the new sights. Dylan, on the other hand … in the infant carrier in Maria’s other hand … found it not the homecoming he had dreamed off. Everything was so big and strange!

 

Lyric

 

One month old Emily and Dylan laid in baby swings, side by side. Emily giggled and reached out to grab the soft plush toys hanging above her. Dylan, initially resisted, for wasn’t this undignified for an adult who would be his real age again any day now, if the appointment wasn’t delayed again? Yet, watching Emily’s joy, he hesitantly reached out for the plush star, a reluctant smile forming on his face.

 

Lyric

 

Maria placed two month old Dylan and Emily on their tummies on a soft play mat. Emily was already attempting to lift her head and move her tiny limbs, exploring the world around her. Dylan watched her, hesitant at first, but then he imitated her movement, finding joy in the shared activity, even when wishing for the day soon he would have all his strength and mobility back.

 

Lyric

 

Maria and her three month old twins were at a baby massage course. They lied on their backs on soft pads, as their mother massaged their tiny feet, Emily giggle. Dylan resisted at first, but her laughter was carefree and infectious. His own laughter was hesitant as what was Stan in him tried to resist, but then the little baby couldn’t hold it in and joins full-heartedly with his sister.

 

On a separate pad the three month old baby called Max who had once been a doctor named Meyer, desperately tried to gain their attention only to have his mommy stretch his legs, distracting him.

 

Lyric

 

On the soft play mat, the four month old twins were looking up at their mother who was talking to them. Since a week, Dylan hardly understood anything but a few words she said and even those became fuzzier in his brain, but her soft voice caressed something in him more and more. In comparison he understood Emily better each day, interpreting her movements and look in her face as its emotions mirrored his owns.

 

Right now Emily looked around excited used her muscles in a strange new way and … rolled over for the first time, causing Maria to clasp excitedly. Dylan watched her, feeling a sense of envy. He tried hard and after several attempts, he too managed to roll over. This made him smile at his twin, which she returned, as they shared a moment of accomplishment.

 

Lyric

 

Emily and Dylan sat up for the first time, their backs supported by soft cushions. They reached out to each other, touching hands. Dylan felt a deep bound with Emily, a love overshadowing the love the remnants of Stan felt for his daughter. Looking up to Maria, he still vaguely remembered another love he had felt for her, too, but now there was only the soft love of a son for his mother.

 

Lyric

 

Emily began to crawl, her movements determined and curious. Dylan starred at her. The idea of moving on his own seemed odd after so long … and hadn’t he once moved another way? Still, imitating his sister in moving his hands and knees, he began to crawl too, laughing at his success as he followed Emily. Every inch bringing him further away from those fading memories.

 

Major Lyric

 

Maria helped Emily and Dylan stand, their tiny legs wobbly but eager. Emily took her first tentative steps, and Dylan soon followed. They held onto Maria’s hands, supporting them as the little family navigate this new challenge together.

 

Major Lyric

 

Emily and Dylan walked hand in hand, their steps more confident as they began to explore this big, new and fascinating world. Maria watched with tears of joy, seeing how far they had come. Dylan’s past as Stan no longer even a distant memory for him and in this moment neither for her. The bond between her twins meanwhile was unbreakable, a testament to their journey which had just began.

 

End Lyric

 

The end

 

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