Hold On, Little One

Carmen and Rhafiek’s baby son is born prematurely.

- Elri Boucher

There is an upsetting update for pregnant Carmen (Desiré Gard-ner). Her health has declined after she and Rhafiek (Irshaad Ally) returned to Ruiterbosch from a quick getaway. They took a break from life to try make sense of their situation: their unborn baby is seriously ill. For now, the pair have decided not to terminate the pregnancy. But as fate would have it, their decisions mean nothing when Carmen goes into premature labour.

EARLY MATERNITY

“Carmen is under a lot of emotional pressure due to the complications of her pregnancy and is still experiencing incredible stress [when they are back],” says Desiré. She tries to forget about her worries by helping out with Kaashifa and Imraan’s (Jawaahier Petersen and Marlo Minnaar) wedding arrangements, but even that isn’t enough to calm her mind and Carmen is taken to hospital to give birth – long before she’s due. “When she wakes up from the procedure, she’s a little confused. But she’s told that her son Mikhail is alive,” adds the actress, whose character is forced to speak to her son through the incubator that’s helping to keep him alive. “Carmen whispers messages of love to her son, telling him that there are many people who love him and are waiting to meet him when he’s stronger,” says Desiré. “Carmen also encourages baby Mikhail to fight for his life, because she believes in her beautiful angel child.”

IT’S BITTER DIFFICULT