Another morning, another conversation. Baby steps. Literally.

[dc_knight]

She's learned that if she wants to have a conversation with her sister, she has to actually show up at the door. It's a bit frustrating, but it is what it is. Her sister is depressed and she can't expect Jenny to come over and sit down with them at the kitchen table. It bugs her, but she can respect it. So, armed with a notebook full of cures for

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[on_jennys_terms]

When Jen answers the door, she's a bit surprised to see her sister standing there. She had actually just been thinking about calling Heather. Jenny's still doing the stretchy knit pants and a t-shirt, but at least she has a valid excuse now. And she looks better than she did before. "Hi," she says when her brain catches up with her.

[on_jennys_terms]

"It is," she says, smiling slightly.

[dc_knight]

Heather forges ahead a bit. "You know, if you have questions ... I've been there. Well, not really there where you are right now there, but through it too."

[on_jennys_terms]

She nods, happy to know the help is there if she needs it. Suddenly, Jenny's coffee mug becomes the most interesting thing on the planet. This seems like a natural time to tell Heather. She draws in a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "There is a problem with the baby."

[dc_knight]

Heather's brow furrows. Really, universe? Is this fair? "What is it?"

[on_jennys_terms]

"It's called hypoplastic left heart syndrome," she says, not expecting that to mean anything to Heather, "The left side of her heart is essentially not there. My perinatologist put it nicely by saying it's just underdeveloped." She takes a swig of her coffee, hoping it'll make her feel better.

[dc_knight]

She's heard of it in passing, but not in concrete terms. "God, Jenny, I'm sorry. What can they do?"

[on_jennys_terms]

This really isn't fair. "It's completely treatable, but it means putting her through a series of operations."

[dc_knight]

She breathes a bit. It's treatable at least. "How many?"

[on_jennys_terms]

"Three. The first will be a few days after birth. Or we could get her on a transplant list, but we decided against that because even though it's just one operation, hearts that small are hard to come by. She has one, it's just...broken."

[dc_knight]

Heather reaches over and touches Jenny's arm. "You'll fix it, Jenny."

[on_jennys_terms]

"I hope so," she says, looking up from her coffee to her sister.

[dc_knight]

Heather gives her a gentle but not patronizing look. "And you'll have help."

[on_jennys_terms]

She thinks about what Heather said and realizes she's finally starting to accept the help that is available. It still isn't the easiest thing for her, but it's a step. "I know."

[dc_knight]

Heather chuckles a bit. "I know that's hard for you to say."

[on_jennys_terms]

"The Universe doesn't appear to be done wailing on me, but in doing so, I'm getting used to certain things like accepting help." She lets out a breath. That was also hard to say. Hey, look, coffee.