The surgery lasted a full hour.
When Shen Zhen was wheeled out of the operating room, she was pale and drenched in sweat, looking as thin as a sheet of paper.
The doctor gave them some care instructions and left, leaving only Qiao Hua and Shen Zhen in the ward.
Qiao Hua sat beside the bed and held Shen Zhen's clammy hand. "How are you feeling?"
Shen Zhen forced a strained smile, slightly breathless as she spoke. "I'm fine. Just a little tired."
Qiao Hua wiped away her sweat with a tissue. "Get some sleep. I'll go home in a bit and make you some chicken soup."
Shen Zhen wanted to say something, but she had no strength left. She soon closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Watching Shen Zhen sleep soundly, Qiao Hua thought, An abortion really takes a toll on the body. Someone so full of life looks as though half her life has been drained away.
Now she didn't know whether to be thankful that she couldn't abort the baby in her belly or consider herself unlucky.
After all, an abortion only meant a brief period of suffering, while raising a child meant a lifetime of it.
Shen Zhen slept for an entire day. By the time she opened her eyes again, it was already bright outside.
Qiao Hua happened to walk in just then, carrying an insulated container. "You're awake. I made chicken soup at home. Drink it while it's hot-it'll help you recover."
Shen Zhen struggled to sit up in bed. Even after a day's rest, she was still weak, as though she had been hollowed out from the inside.
Qiao Hua blew on a spoonful of soup to cool it, then brought it to her lips.
Shen Zhen opened her mouth and drank it.