Copyright Marie Gail Stratford
As a medic, Bill couldn’t accept he wasn’t a suitable donor for his son; he’d gone straight into the records for more information.
If he and Ellie are still together, and that looks doubtful, it’s only because of the baby… the child the tests proved wasn’t his.
Then when Ellie was tested, the enormity of what had happened became clear.
I call them in from the waiting-room.
I have to tell them the only hope of saving this child rests with some other couple.
The ones to whom our nursing staff handed Bill and Ellie’s healthy son 3 years ago.
The last Friday Fictioneers outing of January 2021. Spring is getting closer, and hopefully better times. Thanks to Rochelle, the leader of Friday Fictioneers, a constant throughout the last 12 difficult months.
castelsarrasin 
Snafu
LikeLike
Thanks for reading.
LikeLike
So well-crafted, even though I must admit, I did see it coming. This would be such a horrible situation for both sets of parents.
LikeLike
It would indeed. Thanks for reading.
LikeLike
On the bright side, Ellie wasn’t naughty.
On the dark side, aaarrrggghhh!
LikeLike
And the lawsuit should provide a hefty income. Thanks for reading.
LikeLike
That’s one hell of an administrative error! I hope they can find a donor, but I sense a lawsuit and a few investigations and committees are about to follow.
LikeLike
Yes, I hope their insurance is up to date. Thanks for reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This has happened before. Probably happens more often than we think. A real life nightmare.
LikeLike
I wonder how often it goes undetected.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think more and more will be exposed as DNA testing becomes the norm.
LikeLike
Dear Sandra,
Touching tale. It’s sad when a child is the only thing keeping a couple together. Surprising ending. Well written as always.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Thanks for reading, Rochelle.
LikeLike
Good story. Not really a changeling… more like a mistakeling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 Thanks for reading.
LikeLike
Tragedy
LikeLike
For everyone. Thanks Sue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, what a scary situation you’ve written. How many times does this happen.. that’s an even scarier thought.
LikeLike
And possibly goes undetected. Thanks for reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oops!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure it’s happened. The other couple probably has no idea. It took me a moment to figure out whose head we were in to tell this story, but I got there in the end.
LikeLike
Thanks for persevering. And reading. 🙂
LikeLike
I wonder how many times this has happened but never come to light. An awful situation for all involved.
LikeLike
Indeed. Thanks for reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great twist. Baby swap has happened in real life too, but could any parents decide to swap back after loving a child for three years?
LikeLike
It’s a dilemma isn’t it?
LikeLike
o.m.g. A parents’ worst nightmare x 2. Wrong child and one they can’t save 😦
LikeLike
Worse still for the other couple, I guess.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a sad story all around… Wonderfully penned, however.
LikeLike
Thanks for reading, Dale.
LikeLike
Yikes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How sad to have the discovery!
LikeLike
Thanks for reading Sascha.
LikeLike
Oh boy … And yet, we know that it had happened … and perhaps still does, sometimes …
LikeLike
I think you’re right. Thanks for reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heartbreak ahead.
LikeLike
For everyone. Thanks for reading.
LikeLike
You’ve pulled at our heartstrings, Sandra. Grief at the years shared and lost, and joy at the reunion ahead: what a roller-coaster ride lies ahead for both couples. *sigh*
LikeLike
Almost unimaginable heartbreak for the other couple. Thanks for reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
sadly, it happens when some folks want to play god.
LikeLike
Thanks for reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! what a story, what an administrative abomination. Well done that was excellent
LikeLike
Many thanks!
LikeLike
I did not expect this tale of disaster.well done
LikeLike
Thanks for reading, Michael.
LikeLike
Oh boy. I sometimes wonder – when an error like this is discovered, what exactly do you do? Who gets whom?
LikeLike
And which lawyers get to make a fortune?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Talk about getting the carpet pulled from under your feet. What a terrible dilemma: will the boy die without treatment? Will the real parents if found accept responsibility? Where is their own baby? Will his shaky relationship end? I could go on.
A great, although sad story.
LikeLike
The impact on each and everyone will be different. Not to mention the hospital’s insurance premiums. 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
Based on their accuracy rate, it’s possible the child isn’t sick at all.
LikeLike
Oh no! What a vicious, vicious mistake. Well told.
LikeLike
All babies look alike. What’s the difference? Homebirth suddenly looks mighty appealing.
LikeLike
I like the way you build up the mounting sense of hopelessness, , so that the finale is the sadly expected..
LikeLike
This must really tear them up inside when they find out, they’d be so attached to their son whom they raised and yet know their real son is a stranger.
LikeLike