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Miranda sensed that something was amiss with Andrea. Andrea, who always had music accompanying her every step, humming melodies aloud or silently in her mind. Music was her lifeline. So, when Andrea retreated to their bedroom on a Monday afternoon, a time when she would typically be engrossed in her CNN project or crafting a guest column for prestigious journals, Miranda grew deeply concerned for her wife's well-being. Andrea had experienced migraines before, especially around her menstrual cycles, and Miranda knew how to help her manage those episodes.
But this time was different, and Miranda could feel it. Andrea complained of pain around her eyes, and while the initial assumption was food poisoning, it soon became clear that wasn't the case. If it had been food poisoning, once the culprit was expelled, Andrea should have felt better. Yet, that hadn't happened. Moreover, Andrea's difficulties concentrating, although not entirely unusual due to her ADHD, seemed more pronounced than usual. Even her short-term working memory was being affected more frequently.
Seated at the edge of the bed, the curtains drawn tight, Miranda whispered softly, "Darling, I believe we should see a doctor." She broached the subject delicately, aware of the hold Andrea's upbringing had on her perception of hospitals—terrible places, made worse by the exorbitant costs. However, they had insurance and could afford most treatments. "Andrea."
Andrea swallowed hard, slowly opening her eyes. Her voice was raspy, harsher than usual—evidence that she hadn't been drinking enough water. Miranda's gaze shifted to the untouched glass of water on the nightstand. "I'm fine. I just need some rest."
"No, darling, I cannot accept that as an answer," Miranda asserted firmly. "You've been experiencing numbness and pain around your eyes and on the left side of your face. It's starting to sound rather serious. I will call Emily to watch the boys and take you to the hospital."
As Andrea's protest lodged in her throat, it died down, and her gaze met Miranda's in a shared moment of seriousness. They both understood that something was undeniably wrong, and Andrea's fear of what it could be loomed large. Andrea's hands reaching out for Miranda tugged at her heart, and she offered reassurance, "It'll be alright," though she had no certainty in those words. She simply had to believe it.
Emily Summers, the boys' nanny, arrived swiftly to take care of them.
Roy pulled their BMW around, and with urgency, he drove Miranda and Andrea to the nearest emergency room. Andrea's appearance was far from her usual self, lacking her usual color, though she attempted to make light of it, joking that she didn't have much to start with. "Self-deprecation is not a substitute for wit, my dear," Miranda gently reminded her. They waited in the emergency room, but Andrea's headache grew increasingly severe, bringing tears to her eyes. Miranda could only handle so much, but Andrea insisted on waiting—yet Miranda refused. While she admired Andrea's usual "Girl Scout" courtesy and attitude, on that night, she wanted none of it.
It didn't take long for Andrea to be bumped up on the waiting list, even if it left some disgruntled individuals in the ER. Miranda didn't care about their discontent; her wife couldn't wait. Andrea lacked the energy to protest. Soon enough, a doctor attended to Andrea, thanks to Miranda's insistence. Though she was well aware of her reputation for being difficult, Miranda truly desired nothing more than her wife's treatment in that moment. While the nurses and doctors may have been initially frustrated by the demands of a privileged, white woman, the tests they conducted soon revealed that Miranda's assertiveness had been for the best.
Andrea had an unruptured aneurysm.
The medical team skillfully located the aneurysm and determined that it was large enough to require surgery. The gravity of the situation sunk in when they explained the surgical process, involving cutting into Andrea's skull and placing a clip. While the doctors reassured them of the procedure's success, Miranda and Andrea couldn't help but be overwhelmed by fear. Another member of the medical team later visited them to discuss the risks associated with the surgery.
Miranda made calls to update Emily, the boys' nanny, and her assistants, urgently rearranging her schedule for the next day. Andrea lay in the bed beside her, connected to various monitors. As the night wore on, Andrea's condition took a turn for the worse. Miranda would forever blame herself for the moment she stepped outside at Andrea's request to take a walk, never intending to go far. It was during that brief absence that Andrea's aneurysm ruptured.
Luck wouldn't even begin to describe how fortunate they were to have been in a hospital when it happened. Andrea was swiftly rushed into a three-hour surgery. When she emerged, her hair was partially shaved off, and her scalp held together by staples. Miranda's heart sank into the pit of her stomach. No words in any language could truly capture the depth of emotions she felt upon seeing her wife in such a state. Later that day, she struggled with her phone as she shared the harrowing news with Jill, Andrea's sister.
Jill promised to leave Ohio and be by their side as soon as possible.
Nigel and Emily from Runway made their way to the hospital, one bringing a change of clothes, the other a small bag of toiletries. They insisted that Miranda take a moment to care for herself while they looked after their beloved Andrea. They were committed to helping Miranda, helping Andrea, even when the days ran into each other.
Jill's arrival was sorely needed, as she took over watching the boys so their nanny could get a break.
In the little moments Miranda realized how much Andrea meant to those beyond their little family. She was a wife, a mother, a sister and a friend, but to so many others she was so much more. A mentor, a journalist - her nightly audiences sent their well wishes, her PO Box became flooded with cards and gifts from the late-night workers who often turned to her show not just to get the news but to gain her unbias perspective.
Amid the blur of endless days, Nigel and Emily remained unwavering in their commitment to support Miranda and Andrea. They stood by their side, offering assistance and comfort through the tumultuous journey.
Explaining the situation to their young boys was one of the most heart-wrenching tasks Miranda had to undertake. At six and two years old, they couldn't fully comprehend the severity of their mother's condition. All they wanted was for mommy to come back home, and it pained Miranda to have to tell them that it wasn't possible at the moment. She gently explained that mommy needed time to rest and get better, which stretched into an agonizing six weeks of Andrea's slow and steady recovery until she was finally discharged from the hospital.
Determined to fully understand the situation and be prepared for Andrea's ongoing needs, Miranda immersed herself in research. She devoured every piece of information she could find, determined to support her wife's recovery in the best possible way. With the support of their family, friends, and dedicated staff, everyone understood the importance of following the doctor's orders and doing whatever was necessary to assist Andrea.
When Andrea returned home, her appearance had significantly changed. Her shaven head, it emphasized her vulnerability, and she had become noticeably thinner during her time at the hospital. Therapy sessions were scheduled to help her regain certain abilities that had been affected. Miranda took on the responsibility of providing her wife with sponge baths, refusing to let Andrea out of her sight until she was strong enough to manage on her own. The household underwent a significant change as all alcohol was removed, not only for Andrea's health but also to eliminate any potential risks.
Amid the challenges of managing Andrea's recovery and delegating tasks to others, Miranda was startled when Irv Ravitz summoned her to Elias-Clarke, demanding an explanation. She couldn't help but feel that if she were a man, she wouldn't have been subjected to such scrutiny. If she had a husband, she believed she wouldn't have been required to personally attend a meeting to justify caring for her spouse. The unfairness of the situation only fueled Miranda's determination to navigate these obstacles with grace and strength.
"It's bullshit," James "JT" Turner, the head of security, grumbled as he walked beside Miranda, guiding her towards the waiting Range Rover where Roy, their driver, stood ready to take her to the office. "He could always have an accident." The implication while there, his tone indicated his protective instincts were evident, and Miranda was touched by his concern.
"James, I appreciate your loyalty, neither of us will look good in orange," Miranda replied, her voice tinged with gratitude for his concern. She settled into the backseat of the Range Rover, taking a moment to collect herself before heading into the offices of Elias-Clarke.
With determination in her eyes, she braced herself to face Irv Ravitz once again. She had dealt with him before, and she would handle him with her usual poise and resilience. The prospect of confronting him didn't intimidate her. Instead, it fueled her fire to prove that she could navigate these challenges and protect her family, no matter the obstacles thrown her way.
"As I'm sure all of you are well aware of the circumstances surrounding my absence from the office," Miranda began with unwavering conviction, her gaze sweeping across the room, captivating everyone's attention. "For the past eight weeks, my unwavering dedication has been directed towards the care of my wife, who experienced a severe health setback. As a vice president of this esteemed company, it is my duty to not only uphold the professionalism and responsibilities that this role entails but also prioritize the well-being of my family."
She allowed a brief pause, allowing her words to settle and resonate within the room, before continuing. "Rest assured, I fully comprehend the significance of my position here at Elias-Clarke, and I have taken every measure to ensure the seamless continuation of my day-to-day duties. I have briefed my team, entrusted my capable assistants, and maintained constant communication with them to provide guidance and oversight throughout this challenging period."
Miranda's voice remained steady, her tone resolute. "While it is disheartening to learn that my absence has raised concerns, I have an unwavering faith in the track record I have established and the contributions I have made to this company. I have always strived for excellence in my work, and I refuse to allow personal circumstances to tarnish my unwavering dedication and commitment."
The senior board member who had earlier questioned Miranda's presence now rose from his seat, his disappointment palpable in his voice. "Irv, this is preposterous. None of us here have raised an issue with Miranda's time off. Miranda has consistently given 110% to this company, and if any one of us were faced with the same situation of caring for our spouses..." His words trailed off momentarily as he shook his head, clearly upset by the situation unfolding before him. "Did you know that it was Miranda's unwavering commitment and her brilliant strategic maneuvering six years ago that impressed us the most? She outplayed you with finesse, and we respected her all the more for it."
Miranda's eyes gleamed with a mixture of pride and determination, her stance unwavering. She had made her point clear, defended her position with eloquence, and garnered the support of a fellow board member. It was a moment of triumph, a testament to her formidable presence and the respect she had earned throughout her tenure at Elias-Clarke.
The man's sigh carried a mix of remorse and understanding. "Miranda, I apologize sincerely that you felt the need to come here and justify yourself," he expressed, his voice softened. He pressed his lips together, releasing a weary exhale. "Please, convey my well wishes to your wife for a swift recovery, and I genuinely hope to see her back on the air as soon as possible. Take all the time you need to be by her side."
Turning his attention to Ravitz, the senior board member's tone became more authoritative. "Irv, I require a word with you in my office immediately. As for the rest of you, I will address the matter via email later." His words conveyed a sense of finality, leaving no room for further discussion.
Miranda felt a sense of relief wash over her as she realized her defense had been heard and acknowledged. With a nod of gratitude towards the senior board member, she gracefully made her exit from the meeting room, her head held high, leaving behind an air of determination and strength.
Sometime later...
Andrea, as the doctors had predicted, proved to be one of the fortunate ones. Her abilities gradually returned, from speaking with the eloquence of a seasoned news anchor to even reclaiming her gift for singing. Miranda stood by her side throughout every step of the way, their devoted staff rallying behind them. Emily, their nanny, ensured a smooth transition for the boys, while Grace, their personal chef, carefully tailored their meals to support Andrea's recovery, focusing on nutritious options with reduced sodium. Even their gardener found solace in connecting with Andrea, offering prayers and reading daily devotionals together—an act reminiscent of Andrea's cherished memories with her grandparents.
At CNN, Andrea's colleagues had valiantly taken the reins of her show during her absence, and to celebrate her return, they organized a beautiful welcome back party. On her first night back on the air, Andrea felt a mix of nervousness and gratitude. "Welcome to the Early Hours, and I'm Andrea Priestly," she began, taking a deep breath and looking directly into the camera. "If you're joining us this evening for the first time, several months ago, I experienced a brain aneurysm."
With courage, Andrea recounted her journey—the surgery, the arduous recovery, and the overwhelming support she received. "Those letters, cards, and teddy bears—I am eternally grateful for each and every one of them," she expressed, her voice filled with emotion. "I am also deeply thankful to my colleagues here at CNN. But most importantly, I want to express my gratitude to my wife, Miranda. She has been my unwavering anchor, my source of strength, the one who wiped away my tears. Darling, I am so incredibly grateful to have you by my side, and I love you."
Taking a moment to compose herself, Andrea wiped away her tears and cleared her throat. "Now," she continued, her professional demeanor resurfacing, "let's dive into tonight's headlines from around the world." The camera panned out, capturing the renewed strength and resilience in Andrea's eyes as she fearlessly embraced her return to the forefront of global news.
The next day at home, Andrea's old radio filled the air with a melodic tune, Adele's "Make You Feel My Love." Her voice gracefully intertwined with the music, her Mezzo-Soprano range seemingly untouched by the trials she had endured. Andrea's hair, on its path to regaining its beautiful length, flowed around her. Miranda, sitting at her desk in their home office, simply watched in awe.
"No, there's nothing that I wouldn't do to make you feel my love," Miranda tenderly sang along.
Andrea shifted her gaze away from the computer and bestowed a soft smile upon Miranda. Rising from her seat, she motioned for Miranda to join her. "The storms are raging on the rolling sea and on the highway of regret. The winds of change are blowing wild and free. You ain't seen nothing like me yet."
They embraced each other, swaying gently to the enchanting voice of Adele that filled the room. Their foreheads touched, and for a moment, their dance ceased. Andrea cherished the warmth of Miranda's arms around her. She pressed her lips against Miranda's, and in that intimate moment, their affection deepened within the confines of their home office.
Miranda had never felt such overwhelming happiness at the sound of her wife's voice, nor had she ever reveled so deeply in Andrea's profound love for music. "There's nothing that I wouldn't do, go to the ends of the Earth for you, to make you feel my love," Andrea whispered, the words a testament to their shared devotion.