Jasper by Bozena Helena Mazur-Nowak /Poland.

 Bożena Helena Mazur-Nowak was born in Opole, Poland.

 In June 2004, she decided to emigrate and left for Great Britain. For many years she wrote, "into the drawer".

She has published 19 collections of poetry, four in Polish, and the rest in international translations.

Proud holder of many international awards and prizes, including the multiple Doctor Honoris Casa.

Despite nearly twenty years abroad, she has not accepted foreign citizenship. In his biography, he proudly emphasizes his Polishness and Opole as the city of birth. The author's poems have been presented on Australian, Canadian, and Spanish radio. Bożena Helena Mazur-Nowak is invited to participate in international poetry festivals around the world. She is very happy that her poetry and prose are understandable and appreciated by readers without Polish roots.

Jasper

 by Bozena Helena Mazur-Nowak

Amber stood by the open window, stroking her round belly. Their first child would be born in just a month. Marco stretched himself lazily.

- Honey, will you come to the construction site with me today?-  He threw a question towards his wife - You could tell me what else you want to add or change.

-I will, darling, of course I will,-  she replied radiantly.

Her blonde hair sparkled in the morning sun. She was so beautiful. Marco was very proud as the other men looked back at her. Even now, when she was pregnant, she attracted people's eyes.

In the kitchen, Margo was drinking coffee. Amber was enjoying the scent of coffee now. She couldn't wait to have her morning coffee again.

-Good morning, little sis," she said, entering the kitchen. She cuddled up to Margo, who was enjoying the black drink. -" Why don't you come to the construction site with us today? Please give me advice or tell me something useful.

Margo hugged her sister and pressed her ear to her belly.

- You know, this baby tells me that you can do very well without me, - she replied, raising her head with a smile - I have planned blissful laziness for today, but I have to go to the doctor with our mother.

All direct speech sections require " and " at the beginning and end of the address.

- I forgot. Sorry, I'm so selfish. I should support you in looking after our parents. I am ashamed now that I only think about myself. After all, they helped us so much, and we still live with them; Amber became sad.

- Don't worry, my lovely girl. I can handle it. I have nothing better to do. Once you have settled in, I will come to admire your joint work. Would you like cocoa?

After breakfast, Mr. and Mrs. Bianco went to the construction site. Margo prepared everything her father needed and went with her mother for an appointment. For ten years now, Lisa, Professor Zeman's wife, has had rheumatoid arthritis. The disease tortured her with pain and deformed her hands and feet. Her fingers were swollen and twisted, which made it impossible for her to perform even the simplest tasks. Professor Zeman had advanced Parkinson's. They both needed constant care and help.

They lived in a beautiful, spacious villa with a large garden, which had always been the professor's wife's passion and pride. She looked around with great longing in her eyes, unwoven discounts. She knew she couldn't expect much of Margo; she was doing so much for them anyway. Only a few children look after their parents as well as she does.

What are you trying to say here?

Margo quit her job and career and devoted herself to her parents.

James Zeman received a high professorial pension, and they collected a large sum in their savings account. Lisa was a very frugal woman, and James never demanded too much of his life.

June this year was exceptionally beautiful. Margo was reading Follet's new book in the garden when the phone rang.

- Is this Zeman's number? a confused voice in the receiver asked

- Yes. Listen. Miss Margo Zeman on the phone. Do you know how I can help you?

- Is Amber Zeman your relative?

- Amber Bianco is my sister. Zeman is her maiden name.

- And Marco Bianco, who is he to you?

- Marco is my brother-in-law. Please let me know why you're asking me so many questions. What is going on?

- Please sit down, Miss. Zeman. I have bad news for you. An accident happened.

After these words, Margo slumped the wall down to the floor. She couldn't get a word out. She didn't want to listen to this woman anymore.

- Hello! Miss! Are you there? Hello!

-I am - she almost whispered, "I am."

- You'll have to identify your sister's body. Can you come to the hospital, please?

- When should I come?

- When will you be ready? My condolence. I am sorry to have had to deliver such sad news.

Margo was sitting on the floor with her head resting on her lap when the professor found her.

- What's the matter, daughter? Why are you sitting on the floor?

- Nothing, Dad, I'm a little sad. That's what. I'll have to leave soon. "She tried to hold back tears as she spoke to her father. When I get back, we'll talk. Okay?

Before leaving, Margo checked on her father to ensure he didn't need anything. She called Kiron from her room.

- Can you come to get me? I need to go to the hospital right away. Please don't ask anything. I'll let you know when you arrive.

- You're very secretive. When do you want to go now or later?

- Now, as soon as possible.

- OKAY. Please give me twenty minutes. I have to refuel on my way to you.

Margo pulled on jeans and a loose sweater. She tied her hair up with a clamp. Then, he waited patiently for Kiron. Images from this morning swirled before her eyes. She was smiling at Amber and Marco, giving tender hugs. She still could hear their happy laughter.

The horn alerted her, and she rose from the ground. She ran to the car. She kissed Kiron on the cheek in greeting.

- Well, what happened? Mom or Dad?

- Amber and Marco are dead. They had an accident, she whispered blankly, staring blankly at Kiron.

- How are they dead? When? How? Both? And the baby?

- I know nothing more than that. I have to identify bodies. Let's go and say no more, please.

Kiron obediently drove Margo to the hospital. He found out where the dissecting/mortuary room was. He took her by the arm and led her to the door. He knocked on the door. A middle-aged woman answered.

- How can I help you?

- We came to identify the bodies of Amber and Marco Bianco.

- Please take a seat for a moment. I have to make a call. The inspector in charge of this accident asked me to let him know when you turn up. Wait, please.

A few minutes later, a young man with two days of stubble appeared at the dissecting/mortuary room door. He smelled of coffee and cigarettes.

- My name is Matthew Jones. Inspector Jones. I'm investigating your sister and brother-in-law's accident. I have a few questions for you. I'll wait until you finish your identification.

Kiron knocked, and they entered a spacious, bright room. In the middle of it were two platforms with the bodies covered.

- Please let me know when you're ready.

- I'm ready. I won't be more ready anymore. We can start.

- Prepare yourself for a nasty sight. Your sister's body is in good condition. Mrs Bianco looks like she's asleep. Your brother-in-law's body is mutilated. He took the brunt of the impact. He died on the spot. Mrs Bianco died in the ambulance.

She walked over to the first body and, pulling back the sheet, revealed her sister's face. Her little sister looked so peaceful, as if she was sleeping.

- What about the baby? There are only two bodies here.

- The baby is alive. Margo was shocked at these words. Now, he's in the incubator for premature babies. You can go over there and talk to the doctor when we're done.

- Oh, it is a boy! The sister did not want to know the sex of the baby before delivery.

- Boy. Now, let's get back to identification. I uncovered Marco's face as she spoke.

The left side of the face was completely mutilated. The left arm lay beside the torso—a truly terrible sight.

- Yes, this is my brother-in-law, Marco Bianco.

After signing the protocol, they went to the children's ward. The doors were closed. They had to call. A male voice spoke in the intercom.

- Hello, how can I help?

- My name is Margo Zeman. An infant, my nephew, was brought here today from an accident. His mother's name was Amber Bianco. Can I see him, please? Can I speak to the doctor?

- Please wait. Someone will come to see you soon.

Inspector James was standing next to him.

After a while, a grey-haired doctor came out to see them.

- My name is John Scarnati. I looked after a boy who was born in an ambulance. The baby was placed in an incubator. He was born a month earlier than due. He has trouble breathing. During the accident, he suffered a head injury. He has a massive bruise on his right cheek and shoulder.

- Can I see him?

- I will allow you, but only for a minute. It's late today. I am inviting you tomorrow for a more extended conversation and a visit. By the way, will you adopt a child?

This question took Margo by surprise. It's too much experience for one day.

- Please wear a protective apron and shoe covers. I have to ask your companion to stay in the corridor. So that you know – only you will come with me.

There were four incubators in the room. Lots of different equipment. Armchairs by the incubators.

"In that one, on the left, is your nephew." Have you chosen a name?

Margo thought for a moment. She remembered Amber mentioning Jasper's name several times.

- Jasper. His name is Jasper.

- Well. We will also write this on the card. Jasper Bianco. Please wash your hands thoroughly. You'll be able to touch the baby.

- Really?

- Yes. But please hurry up. Today, I only give you ten minutes. We still need to do a lot of research.

Margo stood by the incubator, watching Jasper. He was so tiny and helpless. The bruise on his little face looked terrible.

"Now you can put your hands through these holes and touch the baby." Please talk to him, as it is a significant part of therapy.

Margo gently slipped her hands in and lightly touched Jasper's toes. She stroked his feet and rubbed his head. She was crying. Everyone could not be spoken word out.

They followed the policeman from the hospital to the police station. She thought about Jasper and how she would tell her parents about it when she got home.

Inspector James showed her a simulated accident on the board. Margo wanted to know when they could pick up the bodies and prepare for the funeral.

- We should finish all necessary tests and examinations by Friday. You can bury your relatives after Sunday.

With these words, he said goodbye to Margo and Kiron. He assured them they would receive a report after completing the investigation.

- Now it's time to go home. I can't imagine telling parents all this. Kiron, dear, will you come with me?

- I will go. We'll get through this together somehow. I'll call my lawyer tonight. I will make an appointment. We have to prepare for adoption.

- We? Margo looked at Kiron in surprise.

- Yes, we've been together for four years. It's time to think about getting married. What do you think?

"I've told you so often that I won't marry you as long as you put your career and the cult of money before your family.

- Honey, we'll talk about it tomorrow. Now we are going to go over with our parents.

They came home later than planned. Parents were ready to sleep.

- Mom, Dad, we need to talk.

- You are a severe and mysterious daughter.

- I'll tell you everything in a moment. Let's go to the living room.

They sat down comfortably in the armchairs. Kiron handed Margo a glass of cognac. He was drinking whiskey himself. There was an unbearable silence for a moment.

"I have unfortunate news," she looked at her parents as she spoke, "really."

I need to learn how to tell you this.

"Come on, let it out," Professor Zeman asked.

- Amber and Marco are gone. They died in an accident today.

- How they died! What are you talking about? Margo! Say it's not true!

"Oh mum, true, sad and true ..." She sat beside her mother and hugged her tightly.

- Good Lord! Why? What did you take them for? The professor wailed.

The professor froze like a stone. Suddenly, he stopped trembling. Tears ran down his cheeks.

- And the baby? The professor asked softly.

- The baby survived. You have a grandson. His name is Jasper. He's in a hospital in a preterm trauma unit. I saw him today. He is beautiful.

There was dead silence again. All sat there for over an hour and cried. All could hardly speak. There was nothing to talk about. Whatever was said couldn't change destiny anyway.

Kiron said goodbye before midnight. Margo heard her parents cry. They talked and cried long at night.

The time of mourning has come. Another change. Another election.

As promised, Kiron arranged to meet with attorney Bill White. It was his friend. They knew each other and had been friends since childhood.

Margo decided to adopt Jasper. She gave Bill the authority to finalize the adoption on her behalf.

She now had to focus on Jasper herself.

The funeral took place two weeks after the tragic accident. Even though they did not publicize the ceremony date, many people still wanted to say goodbye to Amber and Marco.

Kiron also had a serious conversation with Margo. He promised to quit his job in the corporation and start a consulting company. He would work from home, and they decided they would get married when the mourning period ended. This decision was also significant in adopting Jasper. The court will consider that Margo is not alone and already cares for both parents. Now babysitting is to come. The doctor had scheduled an appointment before the baby was discharged. Margo prayed earnestly that night lest the doctor had bad news for her.

No idea what looks sick is there for - did you mean 'it looks bad.'

On July 15, she was sitting in front of Doctor Scarnati's office door.

- Come on in, Miss. Zeman, please. Would you like something to drink? Coffee, tea, water?

- A glass of water, please.

There was a moment of silence. The doctor did not quite know how to start the conversation.

- So that's Miss. Zeman. Jasper is not well. He has epilepsy. It is difficult to say whether it results from an accident or a congenital disease.

"As far as I know, no one in our family has had epilepsy," Margo said.

- The case is severe. Jasper currently has two to six attacks a day. Hopefully, how we implement the drugs will change this. The child will require constant care. I must inform you of this because you are applying for adoption.

-What else will happen to me? Not only that, the child has lost its parents, it still has to suffer.

Margo walked home from the hospital. She needed to cool down and wouldn't burden her parents with news of Jasper's illness. But she had to talk to Kiron about it. He should know everything before they get married.

And so, from then on, Margo's life went from visiting the hospital to seeing the doctor's office.

In November, they finally received court-signed adoption papers.

In early December, they got married. It was a small, modest family ceremony. Carpenter's first holiday together was completely different than they had dreamed of.

They occupied the entire first floor of the villa and the ground floor, apart from the study and living room where Kiron had his office. The elderly parents moved to the spacious room on the ground floor, their new bedroom.

Since Amber's death, the professor has declined in health. He ate almost nothing. He didn't speak. Day by day, he was falling more and more into himself. On the morning of January 12, Margo found him dead. Another year began with mourning.

The professor's funeral took place "with spunk". It was organized at their own expense by the university with which he was associated for over forty years.

After her father left, Margo hired someone to help her mother. She called Maria Vargas to ask if she could recommend someone to her. Maria

had worked for them when Margo was little,

It turned out that Maria had already raised her grandchildren and was free. Even though she was already over fifty, she was doing quite well. She was healthy and robust.

Ms. Zeman was glad to hear that Maria would live with them again. The room Maria once lived in was empty as if it was waiting for her.

Since Maria moved in, Margo has been able to sleep in the afternoon. The mother slept for three hours during the day. Maria looked after Jasper while Margo was able to rest. At night, she slept, as you might call her, watching over her son's cradle very vigilantly. Jasper had most of his attacks at night.

If she was sleeping - she wasn't watching - please reword this.

They no longer remembered which drug they had introduced to treat epilepsy. The attacks, however, did not ease off.

The boy was physically developing correctly. He was quick-witted and cheerful. Only the unpredictable, and to make matters worse, the ever-stronger attacks kept the Carpenter awake from sleep.

After their third Christmas together, Jasper was admitted to the hospital. Margo sat by his bed day and night. Kiron supported her as best he could.

Finally, Dr. Scarnatti asked them for an interview after the new year.

"I'm sorry to say Jasper is unresponsive to any medications. My heart squeezes watching him get tired. I have called on you here to present one more treatment option for epilepsy. It is used when pharmacological methods do not bring results. I mean the Hemispherectomy. It is the surgical removal of one hemisphere of the brain. We need to complete our research and determine in which hemisphere the epilepsy site is located and hope it is only in one.

Margo listened to the doctor incredulously.

- How's that? Do you want to cut off our son's half of his brain? Do you want to make a plant out of him?

- It's not like that, Mrs. Carpenter. Please listen to me carefully. These operations are sporadic, but their efficiency is around 85-90%. Especially in a young child whose brain is developing, the prognosis is good because the remaining hemisphere takes over the functions of the lost one. I just wanted to let you know I don't need your answer today. But I will only do the necessary examinations once you decide, okay?

Kiron didn't know what to say to Margo. He was sure that whatever this decision was, he would support her.

Another sleepless night. They spent this time talking about possible surgery.

- He's still so tiny. He will turn three in four months. I can't imagine such a baby on the operating table, cried Margo.

"Honey, do you remember what Dr. Scarnatti said?" What if this surgery will eliminate epilepsy? What if it heals our son? Maybe it is worth talking to another doctor for a second opinion.

And that's what they did. They consulted another neurologist in March. With great pain in her heart, Margo gave Dr. Scarnatti approval for surgery.

Preparations began. Additional studies lasted over a month. Fortunately, there was an epilepsy focus in only one hemisphere. A surgery date was set for June.

It was the most challenging time for Margo. At the same time, Lisa's mother's health deteriorated considerably. Fortunately, Marija was with them. Kiron endured all the changes in his wife's mood with outright angelic patience. At night, he replaced her in a vigil at the crib so that Margo could rest and regain strength for the time Jasper would be after surgery.

The operation was successful. The boy stayed in the hospital for a month. Meanwhile, Margo padded all the sharp edges in the house. She sewed a unique hat for him to protect his head.

For the first two months after Jasper returned home, Margo found it hard to believe that her little boy slept peacefully all night.

The doctor advised her to sign Jasper up for swimming lessons and to ride a bicycle with him.

- If he shouldn't play football, he can do so many other sports - think about it, Mrs. Carpenter.

And Jasper's adventure with sport began—swimming, biking, badminton, hypnotherapy. The boy was overjoyed to be able to discharge his immeasurable energy.

Not sure what word you meant here

While Jasper was asleep in the afternoons, Margo read Balzac in French aloud. She noticed that the boy repeated French words as he played and, over time, an entire sentence. Thus began his learning of foreign languages. By age five, he could speak French and Spanish freely. Understanding came with great ease. He had a wonderfully developed spatial imagination.

- Little trickster! - Kiron often praised him - he may become an architect.

Jasper started school as scheduled. Margo was with her son at every break for the first three years. It was hard for her to leave him with a crowd of raging little creatures, but they finally rested when she realized that her son was resourceful and reasonable.

Lisa passed away in late spring when Jasper was finishing elementary school. It thwarted Margo's plans a bit. She wanted to tell Jasper about his parents during the vacation. But he survived the death of his only grandmother so much that she had to wait.

In high school, Jasper fell in love. He fell in love with the tiny blonde Alison Moyet. They were inseparable.

Margo was very afraid that he would be disappointed. She decided to talk to Alison and told her what surgery he had undergone as a child. She explained why she trembled so much for him. Everything indicated that they liked each other.

As Kiron predicted, Jasper chose architecture. Alison opted for green architecture.

Margo sat in front of the mirror, getting ready for Alison and Jasper's graduation party.

- Kiron, darling, did you see that I have grey hair?

- No. Kiron said. Silver sprinkled your tiny strand, kissing his wife on the cheek. You look beautiful.

The party in Victoria was scheduled for 6 p.m. Ten people were invited. Only my closest friend, Dr. Scarnatti, was among them. They became close to him and became friends over the years.

By 6 o'clock, all the guests had arrived. They were waiting on the guest of honour, who eventually appeared smiling and in love.

- And now, son. Please don't keep us in suspense any longer. That you have passed is certain. But with what grade?

Jasper got up. He took Alison's hand and said with a charming smile - Perfectly! We both passed with flying colours and right after the exam, I got a job offer from the largest company in New York. But I refused. I don't want to leave here.

- Congratulations, son!

Everybody's champagne poured. There was no end to wishes and congratulations. The party ended by midnight.

Margo and Kiron were proud of Jasper.

He needs to know about his parents, Margo thought.

After returning home in a bubbly mood, they went to the lounge for a drink before bed.

- Sonny, sit down. I have to tell you something. It's good that Alison is with us. It'll be easier for me. For so many years, I have been gathering. The time has finally come.

"Mom," Jasper sat beside Margo and put his arm around her. Looking into her eyes, he said, I have known everything for a long time.

- How's that? From who?

- Grandma told me. She showed pictures and talked about Amber and Marco. It won't change anything between us. You have always been and will be my mother. You were with me in sickness and health. You went through all sorrows and joys with me. You never once complained about your fate.

He walked over to Alison.

- We have one more message for you. We're getting married in a month. We're going to Hawaii for our honeymoon. As you know, I won't be able to fly far by plane, so I chose. You, my dear parents, are coming with us. You didn't have your honeymoon. So, after twenty-five years, why don't you renew your vows? We have already purchased the tickets.

- We are so glad you decided to get married. Congratulations. You don't need to spend money on our tickets.

- Mom and Dad, we also decided to sell the house, which Amber and Marco still needed to finish building and live with you. What do you say? It would be best if you finally took a break from us.

"But it's a great idea." Margo, tearfully, pressed against her son. "Then you will live upstairs, and we will move downstairs."

A month later, looking out the plane's window, Margo remembered her life. She was holding Kiron's hand. She was grateful that he gave her so much joy despite the hard times and difficult choices.

                                      The End