Storytelling Saturdays: Yolanda’s Yearning

Contemporary Flash Fiction by Tamika Everts

Yolanda Johnson has been on an emotional tightrope for weeks, holding her breath for the results that could change her life. In this moving flash fiction by Tamika Everts, we sit beside Yolanda and her mother Tamira in a moment of silence, hope, and unexpected joy. A beautiful portrait of longing, resilience, and the sacred bond between mother and daughter, Yolanda’s Yearning is a gentle reminder that sometimes, hope whispers before it sings.

Yolanda was not aware of the continuous beat her foot was tapping against the worn lino floor of the waiting room. Nor was she aware of the barely padded seat she was currently perched at the edge on. Her hands rested in her lap, her fingers twisting themselves into knots.

Her mother, Tamira, silently reached out and placed her hands over her daughter’s. Like the breaking of a spell, Yolanda quickly stopped her fidgeting as she held tightly onto her mother’s hands. Neither woman said anything. They didn’t need to.

Yolanda was twenty-nine years old and had inherited her beautiful dark skin tone and hazel eyes from her mother. While Tamira preferred to keep her naturally dark, curly hair short, Yolanda’s hair was styled into numerous braids which reached her mid-back.

After a few more endlessly long minutes, a female nurse with greying hair entered the waiting room.

“Yolanda Johnson?” she asked.

Yolanda nodded. “Please, if you’d like to follow me.”

Mother and daughter both stood up, their hands still clasped tightly together.

Two weeks ago, Yolanda and her husband Isaiah had completed their second course of in vitro fertilization treatments. Today she would find out if the long process had been successful. She wished Isaiah could be here with her, but he had already taken so much time off to go to appointments that his work had refused his latest request for leave.

The nurse ushered them through the corridors before asking them to take a seat outside a door that bore a plaque with the words: Dr. T. C. Woods. The nurse knocked on the door before disappearing inside. Ten seconds later, Dr. Woods himself emerged from his office.

“Mrs. Johnson, it’s lovely to see you again.” Dr. Woods smiled and shook Yolanda’s hand. “Please, come on in.” He stepped aside and gestured to the inside of his office with his whole arm.

“I’m sorry, I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Doctor Thomas Woods.” He offered his hand to Tamira.

“Tamira Wright, I’m Yolanda’s mom.”

“Welcome, do have a seat.” Once they were all sitting down, Dr. Woods tapped a couple of times on the keyboard in front of him.

“I’ll not keep you waiting. As you know, we’ve gotten your test results back…”

He’s too friendly, Yolanda thought. Her eyes filled with tears. It hasn’t worked, and they couldn’t afford to try again—not for a long time.

“…and I’m delighted to say that they’ve come back positive. Congratulations, you’re going to have a baby.”

Yolanda gasped loudly, tears streaming down her face. “Are you serious? I’m really pregnant?”

Dr. Woods grinned broadly at her. “I’m one-hundred percent serious.”

She laughed in delight. Still crying as every emotion raced through her. She placed her hand tentatively over her belly. “Mom,” she breathed.

Tamira was also crying. She pulled her daughter into a tight hug. “You did it, my darling! You did it.”

Dr. Woods pushed a box of tissues towards them. “Why don’t I give you both a moment, and then I can answer any questions you might have.”

“Can I call my husband?”

“Of course you can.”

Yolanda’s hands shook as she scrolled through the contacts on her phone to find Isaiah’s number. He picked up after three rings.

“Have you seen the doctor yet?” he asked.

“Yeah, I have. I’m—” Yolanda let out a sob. “We’re pregnant! We’re going to be parents!”

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