One morning in early March, a truck pulled up in front of a village maternity ward. Two guards got out and carried out a woman. She was clearly pregnant and in labor. She could barely walk, staggering in pain, clutching her stomach and lower back. “Hurry up!” the guards shouted. “Why couldn’t you wait until the city, you idiot?” The emergency room erupted in commotion when the staff saw their unusual patient.

It wasn’t every day that prisoners were brought to their small maternity hospital to give birth. This one wasn’t even meant to be there. She had gone into labor during the transfer to the specialized women’s prison.

Dr. Barbara Gibbs had just started what promised to be a quiet shift. All her patients had already given birth, and she was looking forward to a quiet cup of tea. Suddenly, an emergency call came in.

“They’ve brought in a prisoner! What a quiet shift!” The doctor came downstairs. The woman in labor was lying half-reclined on the gurney, moaning silently in pain, with the guards and the on-duty nurse hovering nearby. “Get her up so we can clean her up!” Dr. Gibbs ordered after a quick examination, nodding to the orderlies.

They put the woman on a stretcher and took her away. The guards started following her. “So where do you think you’re going?” Dr. Gibbs asked, surprised.

“You can’t enter the maternity ward. We have special protocols.” “We have our own protocols,” one of the guards snapped. “We must be present.” “No way!” Barbara exclaimed, blocking their path.

“I won’t let you scare other mothers. This isn’t a prison. These are our rules.”

In the absence of the chief physician, I’m in charge. And I decide who comes in and who doesn’t. “You don’t understand.”

She’s a prisoner. We’ve provided all the documentation. “I understand perfectly. But first and foremost, she’s a woman giving birth.”

What if she leaks? “Are you serious? She’s six centimeters dilated. Although I don’t suppose that tells you anything.” Dr. Gibbs shook her head. “I’ve made myself clear.”

“If we can’t deliver the baby, we must handcuff her,” the companion insisted. “Believe me, it’s for your own good.” The woman didn’t bother to ask why it might be for her own good. She simply sighed deeply.

“Okay, let them chain her up. I’ll call you later. Have some decency.” When the woman in labor was taken to the delivery room, the attendants handcuffed her to the bed.

“Now leave,” Dr. Gibbs ordered sternly. The men left, saying they would wait in the emergency room. “Did they really teach you who’s in charge here?” smiled young pediatrician Sarah Greer.

“I don’t need you interfering here,” Dr. Gibbs murmured, approaching the woman in labor, her tone soft and warm. She asked, “Well, dear, remind me of your name.” “Mia,” the prisoner moaned. “Mia,” the doctor repeated.

Her face lit up with emotion, paling for a moment before composing herself. “Listen to me, Mia. Forget everything else.”

The baby is the only thing that matters right now. His life depends on you. Don’t waste your energy yelling.

Just listen to my instructions. The expectant mother nodded obediently. “Woman, prisoner,” the words seemed incompatible with the young woman. She was no more than twenty years old, and now she was struggling on the delivery chair, handcuffed.

“How had she ended up in such circumstances? What had she done?” Barbara Gibbs found herself feeling sorry for this girl. And for her son, they had a difficult road ahead. Pushing aside unnecessary thoughts, Barbara began her work.

She spoke clearly and confidently, encouraging the woman in labor and remaining attentive and professional throughout. Her voice inspired confidence, helping her cope with the pain and endure anything. The women who gave birth at this maternity ward felt fortunate to be under Dr. Gibbs’s care.

She was like a mother to them; her experience and gentle hands had helped many children see this world. Dr. Gibbs had worked at this maternity ward for over twenty years, ever since she returned from the city to work as a midwife. She didn’t need badges or medals.

She simply did her job well, receiving nothing but good reviews. But Barbara had also suffered a difficult fate that few knew about. Thirty years ago, after graduating from medical school, Barbara got a job at a maternity ward in the city.

Shortly after, she married. Her daughter, Mia, was born, and Barbara was immensely happy. Her husband, Taylor, was developing a significant business at the time.

Although it was a difficult time, he was making it. The family lived well, lacking nothing. But money, as they say, spoils people.

Soon, the once loving and attentive Taylor changed completely. He became rude to Barbara, raised his hand, and often didn’t come home at night. One day, Barbara saw him hugging a gorgeous blonde.

They walked through the city, kissing. Even when she saw Barbara, Taylor showed no embarrassment; she simply smiled sarcastically as she said, “What are you looking at? Go home, take care of our daughter.” Barbara didn’t even have the strength to make a scene in the street, her body stiff with pain and her eyes full of tears.

At home, she tried to speak out, but Taylor simply hit her. Later, Barbara tried to flee to her mother in the district village, but her husband threatened to take their daughter away. He spoke with such conviction that Barbara didn’t dare put his threats to the test.

For several more years, he endured all her humiliation. When Mia was five, Taylor himself announced he wanted a divorce. He had met an attractive, wealthy woman whose father was a banker or businessman.

And you, yokel, get lost. He laughed in Barbara’s face. Barbara, swallowing the insult, was at first relieved by this outcome, but it turned out to be premature.

In court, Taylor was granted custody of her daughter. Her lawyers fabricated a story that portrayed Barbara as a negligent mother. The court stripped her of her parental rights.

The devastated mother tried for a long time to prove that it was all lies orchestrated by her husband, but no one listened. The story centered on an incident that occurred a few months before the divorce. While walking in the park, Mia ran into some bushes while her mother was tying her shoelaces.

Suddenly, her daughter screamed. Barbara ran to her. Mia had caught her foot on a wire sticking out of the bushes.

The metal had cut into her skin. Barbara immediately took her daughter by taxi to a trauma center, where the wound was stitched. Although the injury wasn’t serious, it left an arrow-shaped scar on her foot.

The lawyers exaggerated the story, inventing several other instances of alleged negligence. They even presented witnesses. Barbara needed a competent legal defense, but she was hopeless, having never expected such malice from her husband.

Taylor took her daughter and disappeared. Mutual acquaintances suggested it was useless to search for Mia. Taylor had married that woman and moved abroad with her and the child.

Despite Barbara’s efforts, she was unable to learn anything more about Mia’s fate. She had no choice but to return to her mother’s home in the village. There, she found work in a maternity hospital, where, for years, she had helped other women become mothers, although she herself lost that joy forever.

Barbara never remarried and rejected all her suitors. After her mother’s death, she lived alone, devoting all her care and love to her patients. She treated all women equally, whether rich or poor, high-ranking or dairymaids.

They were all vulnerable in their pain. They all needed help. And they received it, just like this young prisoner.

When Barbara heard her name, memories of her daughter flooded back. But why memories? She never forgot her for a moment. Now, her daughter would be the same age as this criminal.

Where was her little girl, her own flesh and blood? Perhaps she had become a mother too? Dr. Gibbs shook her head, pushing away her anxiety and concentrating on her work. Mia, this isn’t how it’s done. She said sternly, then continued giving orders: “Breathe, breathe well.”

Put your foot like this. As he adjusted the woman’s foot, he saw something familiar. There was an arrow-shaped scar on the patient’s foot.

Although barely visible, Barbara only needed a fleeting glance to recognize the scar she could never mistake for another. It was the one she had kissed when her daughter’s wound healed. She had even dreamed about it.

“Mia,” Barbara whispered in shock, paralyzed. “Yes,” the woman in labor moaned. “Is something wrong? No, no, everything’s fine.”

You’re doing very well. Barbara came to her senses when she noticed the surprised looks from the nurse and the pediatrician. Nothing is certain yet.

Perhaps it was just a coincidence. Soon after, Mia gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Barbara placed the tiny baby on her mother’s chest and watched with joy at their first meeting.

“My child, my darling,” Mia whispered, kissing her little fingers. “I won’t abandon you. I won’t give you up to anyone, my darling.”

The young mother wept so sincerely and bitterly that all the women in the delivery room involuntarily closed their eyes. It was an unenviable fate for the newborn and her mother. Even if they were allowed to be together for a while, they would still be separated.

After all the procedures, the mother and baby were taken to the ward. The convoy was allowed inside, and the handcuffs were finally removed, with the intention of taking Mia directly to the colony and letting the guardianship authorities take care of the child. Mia, sobbing, heard this from the gurney, but no one paid attention to her hysteria.

The managers ordered it. “How are you?” one of the attendants asked Barbara disdainfully. “The patient is fragile, and I won’t release her until morning at the earliest,” she replied, barely restraining herself from shouting at the insolent attendant.

But we have a hospital in the prison. She can recover there. What if she gets worse during the transfer? No, I won’t let her go anywhere.

There was nothing to be done. The convoy yielded to the doctors’ words, but warned that their colleagues would come to monitor the ward that same day. Barbara was forced to agree.

She was tired of arguing. But where could a woman run after giving birth? She couldn’t even stand up. However, Barbara also had a superior officer and the law.

That evening, the woman entered the resident’s room and sank wearily into an armchair. All her thoughts revolved around the woman who had given birth today. Mia, could she really be her daughter? But why was she in prison? What had she done? Where was her wealthy father? Or maybe that scar was just a vision.

I needed to check Mia’s foot again. Barbara reviewed her medical history. Type 3, positive blood.

Just like her. And the face. Now it seemed to Barbara that Mia looked a lot like her late mother.

After all, her daughter had inherited her grandmother’s green eyes and blonde hair. Could that be true? Barbara left the resident’s room and headed to Mia’s. There was no convoy yet, and the midwife quietly opened the door.

The young mother was asleep. Barbara approached cautiously, lifted the blanket, and looked at her foot. Yes, that same scar.

Mia opened her eyes. What happened? Is something wrong with my baby girl? She tried to get up, but winced in pain. “Hush, hush, honey,” Barbara whispered.

Everything’s fine with your baby. I just came to check on you. I’m in pain all over, Mia said sadly.

That’s normal. It passes. Everything will pass.

The pain will subside. And there will only be joy at having a daughter, Barbara replied. She spoke softly, calmly, though her lips and hands were trembling.

He gathered them together and sat down in the chair next to her. “Mia, tell me, what happened to you? Why did you end up in the colony? Maybe I can help. Or is there something you should tell your family? I don’t have anyone,” Mia replied quietly.

And why did I end up there? No one believed me. Why would you? Tell me, are they really going to take my daughter away from me? Didn’t they say we’d be together until she turned three? Saying this, Mia, pushing through the pain, sat up, leaning on an elbow. Biting her already bloody lip, she stared at the doctor without blinking.

Barbara didn’t know what to say. In this case, everything was beyond her. “I’ll try to find out everything,” he reassured her.

And tell me about yourself. I see you’re not a criminal. You’re just in trouble.

That’s right, Mia cried. And I don’t know what to do. How to go on living? And the girl told her story.

Barbara learned that, as a child, Mia lived abroad with her father and his wife. She barely remembered her mother. Her father said she had passed away.

Her stepmother constantly insulted her. Abroad, her father’s business began to crumble, forcing them to move back to their homeland. But even there, things weren’t going well.

A few years later, her father and stepmother died in an accident, and the bank seized all their property due to debts. At 15, Mia found herself in an orphanage. The three years leading up to graduation became a living hell.

Her classmates hated her, considering her a white crow. She endured constant cruel teasing and scolding, with no friends to turn to. Finishing school became her salvation.

The girl believed all the difficulties in her life were over, but everything was just beginning. Mia had a talent for drawing and dreamed of becoming a clothing designer. She enrolled in college, and fortunately, the state provided her, as an orphan, with a small apartment, her sanctuary of comfort and peace.

After school, she would come home and dream. Mia imagined becoming a designer with her own studio. She would meet her prince, start a strong family, and have at least three children.

Mia longed for a large family, certain that she would be a wonderful mother. She would be the most loving, the most tender, just like her own mother, whom she barely remembered. Only in dreams did she glimpse her mother’s blurred image and hear her forgotten voice, so melodious and soft.

Her father never spoke of her, and no photographs survived. He claimed the photo album was lost during the move and that a virus corrupted the digital versions. “Her mother’s name was like yours, Barbara,” Mia told the doctor, sharing her memories.

He didn’t notice how Barbara paled and clenched her hands even tighter as she continued her story. After graduating from college, she found work in a sewing factory. She excelled at everything and received praise from her supervisor.

A promotion seemed possible, and she even considered continuing her studies, but fate took a sharp turn. Mia met Nigel, a handsome young man with an expensive car who showered her with gifts and flowers. Mia’s heart melted.

Her dreams seemed within reach, and she imagined her wedding. Nigel had influential parents: his father was in the police force, his mother in municipal administration. The orphan believed they would like him, even though she herself didn’t have a penny.

After all, Nigel loved her. She hoped he’d introduce her to his parents, but he kept putting it off, citing his busy work schedule. Mia never understood his work, his travels, meetings, and imprecise communications.

Nigel laughed, saying it wasn’t time for her to know everything yet. Then the police raided their small apartment and found illegal substances. Mia was stunned.

Where had they come from? The truth about Nigel’s true activities began to dawn on her. He’d been using her apartment to store his belongings. He escaped the consequences.

His influential relatives protected him. They made it seem like Mia was involved in the possession and sale of illegal substances. No one believed his claims of innocence.

They pressured her to reveal who her accomplices were, promising a reduced sentence for her cooperation. But Mia really knew nothing. Nigel feigned complete innocence, even testifying for the prosecution.

Mia couldn’t believe her lover would betray her like this. She had trusted him completely, but he had used and ruined her without hesitation or remorse. Her public defender didn’t attempt to defend her, and the judge sentenced her to five years in a general-regime colony.

Once in prison, Mia lost her will to live. Deceived, trampled, slandered. Why had they done this to her? There were so many questions, but no answers.

If it hadn’t been for the support of a fellow inmate from the beginning, who knows how it would have turned out. Lena was serving time for theft and had a young son living with his grandmother. Despite the circumstances, Lena remained optimistic and told Mia that she had to live, live despite all her enemies.

When you get out, you’ll settle the score, he said. Revenge is a dish best served cold. Mia just nodded weakly in response.

Revenge? I couldn’t. I couldn’t. And I couldn’t bear to be locked up for so many years.

Then came the unexpected news: Mia was pregnant. The prison doctor discovered this during her next physical and immediately asked if she planned to keep the baby.

“Yes, I do,” Mia replied firmly. A glimmer of hope shone in her destiny. She was no longer alone in this vast world of lies and deceit.

Against all odds, she would endure to raise her baby. Lena supported her friend’s decision. There was the possibility of parole.

Mia could live with the chick for up to three years, albeit in a different colony. They would have to be separated, but it was feasible. Plans were made to move Mia to another colony, but the paperwork was constantly delayed.

They waited until week 40, and on the bumpy ride to the new prison, Mia went into labor. Luckily, they found this maternity hospital along the way. “You’re my salvation, Dr. Gibbs,” Mia whispered, finishing her story.

Thank you. Now I’m just scared. Will they really send me back to the old colony? And my daughter? They promised not to separate us.

What do I do? “Mia, I’ll try to help you,” Barbara said, her voice shaking. “You poor thing, you’ve been through so much. Don’t worry too much.”

Everything will get better. Now rest. He ran a trembling hand through Mia’s hair, abruptly stood up, and left before the girl could see his tears.

My God, how Barbara longed to hug this little girl. To hold her, to protect her from the world. Yes, she was her daughter.

Now she knew for sure. But it was too soon to tell Mia. Her daughter had already been through so many trials, and surely more were waiting for her.

The news of a newly resurrected mother could be misinterpreted. What if she thought Barbara had simply abandoned her? That confession wasn’t the priority at the moment. The crucial task was finding a way to help Mia.

Yes, he was innocent. Barbara was sure of it. But mere words wouldn’t do any good.

Then Barbara remembered that, about a year earlier, the wife of a prominent lawyer from the capital had given birth in his maternity hospital. They were visiting relatives in the countryside when his wife went into labor in her eighth month. The lawyer was distraught, blaming himself for having brought his pregnant wife to such a remote place.

But Barbara managed to turn the baby herself. And he was born perfectly healthy. The baby had to stay in the hospital with his mother for a while, but everything turned out well.

The lawyer had expressed his deep gratitude to Barbara, telling her he owed her, and had given her his card just in case. The woman simply smiled, but kept the card. Now, Barbara was desperately searching for it.

Luckily, she found it at the bottom of her bag. “Mr. Flanagan, hello!” Barbara enthusiastically began the conversation. The lawyer recognized her immediately and expressed his joy.

After speaking briefly with her son and his wife, they addressed the matter at hand. Barbara explained Mia’s situation. “Yes, the case is difficult,” the lawyer agreed.

“But I don’t understand why you care so much about this girl. I know you have a good heart, but maybe things aren’t exactly the way she told you. This girl, as you say, is my daughter,” Barbara said, a lump in her throat.

She revealed everything: about the scar, her husband, her blood type, everything. “Are you sure?” the lawyer asked. “More than sure.”

“Then I’ll take over the case,” he replied firmly. “Mr. Flanagan, I’ll pay you whatever you ask. Dr. Gibbs, please. You saved my son, and I’ll save yours.”

I won’t accept any payment. Here’s what we’ll do. Tomorrow morning I’ll visit the investigative committee and start working on this.

Stay calm. Even though Mia will be released from the hospital tomorrow, she won’t be staying in the colony for long. Your task is to negotiate with the guardianship to prevent the baby from being sent to an orphanage immediately.

By law, we can keep a child in our hospital for a medical examination for a month. How wonderful! This conversation gave Barbara hope that everything would turn out well.

Not even the guards stationed outside Mia’s room since the night worried her. Mr. Flanagan would take care of everything. The next morning, Mia was transferred to the prison hospital.

In the hallway, Barbara whispered that a lawyer from the capital had taken on her case. Be patient. Your ordeal will soon be over.

He squeezed the girl’s hand. “Stay away from the prisoner,” the guard barked.

Barbara stepped back without protest, offering Mia only a smile. “Dr. Gibbs, will you take care of Sue?” Mia cried desperately. “Sue?” Barbara paled.

I named my daughter that. Of course, he replied. Then he looked at the door behind which Mia had disappeared, escorted.

Sue. That was Barbara’s mother’s name. Why had Mia chosen it? There was no way she could remember her grandmother’s name.

Blood memory? Barbara couldn’t think of any other explanation. She went to the nursery where little Sue lay. The baby was awake, her blue eyes absorbed in the world, oblivious to the struggle surrounding her and her mother.

My granddaughter, my granddaughter, Barbara whispered. Grow, gain strength. I’ll pray that everything turns out well.

She touched the baby’s soft cheek and felt a sweet warmth run through her. As she left the nursery, Barbara wondered who to contact about Sue’s guardianship. She ran into the department head, who had just returned from a business trip.

What a special day yesterday, Dr. Gibbs! He smiled and continued, “It’s the first day a prisoner has given birth here.”

I’m glad she’s been transferred. I’ll make arrangements to have her transferred soon. There could be complications.

Please don’t rush with the child. Barbara looked him straight in the eyes. Dr. Johnson, if possible, I’d like to carry the child myself.

“Barbara, what are you thinking!” the department head exclaimed. “This isn’t a kitten. It’s a baby that requires constant care.”

How will you manage? And work? I understand your maternal instinct, but why accept this? You’re not young anymore. And when the convict is released, what will happen? Dr. Johnson, so many questions. Barbara smiled.

I’ve made my decision. If they give me custody, I’ll take maternity leave. Barbara, I won’t allow it.

“That’s enough, Kenneth!” Barbara waved him off and left. She wasn’t going to explain anything to the head doctor, who had asked her out more than once during their marriage. No, he wasn’t mean or vindictive.

At that point, explanations were unnecessary. Barbara went to the guardianship office, where the lead specialist was a woman she had assisted in childbirth. Barbara hoped to convince her to grant her temporary custody of Sue.

It wasn’t easy, but Barbara managed. Within a week, the baby was delivered to her. As promised, she took a vacation.

Her colleagues were shocked. No one understood why she, an excellent specialist dedicated to her work, would suddenly drop everything to care for the son of a convict. Several months passed.

Barbara cared for Sue, and the baby grew up healthy, looking more and more like her mother every day. Her eyes turned green, and blond curls formed on her head. The grandmother admired her granddaughter.

Yes, she was sure Mia was her daughter. No DNA testing was needed. Sue was an exact copy of little Mia, just as Barbara remembered her.

Throughout this time, she wrote to her daughter describing Sue’s development and her daily life, but she never gave her any clues about who Mia really was. The timing wasn’t right. Mia’s case was reviewed.

The investigation was difficult and lengthy. After three months, the lawyer gathered all the evidence proving Nigel was guilty of the crime for which Mia was serving a sentence. Nigel was arrested, and Mia was eventually acquitted and released from the colony.

It was early summer. He stepped out of prison and breathed in the fresh air. Oh my God, freedom! Soon he would see his daughter fall at Dr. Gibbs’s feet and thank her for everything.

The lawyer had told her who had hired him. Mia couldn’t believe it. How could a stranger just defend her? On the bus, driving down the gravel road, Mia’s thoughts raced.

Yes, Dr. Gibbs helped her, but what was next? She needed to get her rights back. But would he give her custody back? She had a place to live, but no job. How would she work? What would she live on? An allowance? But that still had to be sorted out.

What if Dr. Gibbs didn’t want to give up Sue? Doubts and questions tormented the unhappy mother. Finally, the familiar town where she had given birth last spring appeared. She knew Dr. Gibbs’s address from the letters.

After asking passersby for directions, he continued walking. There was the house, nestled among the trees. His daughter lived there now.

Mia timidly opened the door, walked down the path toward the house, and suddenly heard Barbara’s voice from the deck. “My golden granddaughter, let’s go for a walk, get some fresh air, listen to the birds sing.” Barbara pulled the stroller onto the porch and, seeing her visitor, gasped.

“Mia, you’re here. Why didn’t you tell me you were discharged today? I would have called a taxi. I didn’t want to bother you with such trivial matters,” Mia replied tensely.

Here I am. Won’t you kick me out? Never. My girl, come in, come in.

“May I?” Mia approached the stroller. “Sure,” Barbara smiled. “Sue, your mom’s here.”

Mia leaned over the stroller and saw her baby girl for the first time after their long separation. She wanted so badly to take her in her arms, hold her close to her heart, kiss her tightly, but Mia hesitantly touched the baby’s hand and suddenly cried. “What are you doing, Mia?” Barbara asked in surprise.

I’m afraid to take it with me. The area is itchy, dirty, and I can’t get it off. I can’t forget it, Mia whispered.

“My child,” Barbara exclaimed, wrapping her arms around her. “You are the purest person in the world. Everything will be forgotten.”

Believe me. The important thing is that they’re together now. They stood there, arm in arm.

Mia cried and thanked Barbara for her help, for the lawyer, for everything. The woman hugged her tighter. The little girl watched them seriously from the stroller.

Finally, regaining their senses, they entered the house. There was no more time for strolling. After showering, Mia hugged her baby.

Sue, as if sensing her mother, smiled and hummed. Barbara watched them adoringly. Mother and daughter together.

That was happiness. But the more serious conversation still remained. Mia hesitated for a long time before finally asking when Barbara could hand Sue over to her.

I’ll have to go to the guardianship, go to the town hall, and resolve all the issues there, he explained. I need to register at the clinic, get benefits, and settle my utility bills. Maybe Sue can stay with you for a while.

“Would you mind? Why do you have to go somewhere else?” Barbara asked. “Stay here. No, it’s not convenient.”

I can’t take advantage of your kindness forever. I know you’re used to Sue. I even heard you call her granddaughter, but…

And she’s my granddaughter. —Barbara said softly—. I don’t understand.

Mia, you’re my daughter. And Barbara began her story. Mia listened in confusion, blinking and shaking her head.

You’re my mother. But why? Why is that? My father said you were dead. You abandoned me, didn’t you? Mia cried.

And you kept silent all this time. That’s why I kept silent. Because I knew this would be your first reaction, Barbara said, her voice trembling.

But I didn’t leave you. Your father deceived everyone. He separated us.

You didn’t even look for me. They told me you were abroad. I was sure you were doing well.

Suddenly, I saw you in the hospital and recognized you by your scar. Daughter, I didn’t betray you. Mia looked at Barbara with tears in her eyes, then placed Sue in the crib and threw herself into her mother’s arms.

My mommy, my darling, and I thought you’d only be with me in dreams forever. Both in dreams and in reality, I’ll always be with you. Barbara whispered, inhaling the scent of her daughter’s hair.

With you and my granddaughter, I’m so sorry you’ve lived without me for so many years and suffered so much. We’ll fix everything. We’ll start over.

You’ll be happy, for sure. We’ll be happy. Mia moved away from her mother’s shoulder and looked into her eyes.

They both laughed through their tears, and from the cradle, smiling toothlessly at them, lay their happiness: a daughter and a granddaughter. Now three hearts would beat together.