Chapter 18 - Mommy Is Here
It was after two in the morning when Sarah reached the hospital.
She walked through the pediatric corridor without noticing anyone around her.
Room 304 remained dim.
Lily was sleeping.
Sarah collapsed into the plastic chair.
She took her daughter's hand.
For the first time in days, there was nothing left to chase.
No witnesses.
No servers.
No black SUVs.
No gala.
No plan.
Sarah could finally be still.
The stillness hurt.
She placed her forehead against Lily's hand.
"I'm sorry."
Her voice broke.
"I should've been here."
"I should've stayed beside you."
"I should've protected you before any of this happened."
A faint movement touched her fingers.
Sarah froze.
Then came a tiny voice.
"Mommy?"
Sarah lifted her head so quickly the chair nearly fell.
Lily's eyes were open.
Confused.
Sleepy.
Alive.
Sarah began crying before she could speak.
"I'm here."
Lily blinked.
"Mommy."
Sarah leaned over the bed.
"I'm right here, baby."
Lily squeezed her fingers weakly.
"My head hurts."
"I know."
Sarah brushed hair from her forehead.
"But the doctors are helping."
Lily stared at her mother for several seconds.
Then fear entered her eyes.
"Leo."
Sarah immediately understood.
"He can't hurt you."
"He's here?"
"No."
Sarah shook her head.
"He's far away."
Lily's breathing slowed.
"Did I do something bad?"
The question destroyed Sarah.
"No."
She kissed Lily's forehead.
"You did absolutely nothing wrong."
"He said I was a baby."
"Because I wouldn't jump."
Sarah closed her eyes briefly.
"You never have to prove you're brave by doing something dangerous."
"Okay?"
Lily nodded.
Sarah smiled through tears.
"You were brave because you said no."
Lily looked toward her cast.
"Is he mad?"
"It doesn't matter anymore."
Sarah squeezed her hand.
"People know what he did."
"The truth came out."
Lily's eyelids grew heavy.
"Chloe saw."
"She did."
"She was scared."
"She was brave too."
Lily gave the smallest smile.
Then she closed her eyes.
Sarah remained beside her.
A doctor entered soon afterward.
He checked Lily carefully.
The swelling had improved.
Her neurological responses were strong.
Recovery would take time.
But she was going to recover.
After the doctor left, Sarah looked at the television.
Breaking-news banners covered the screen.
MARCUS THORNE ARRESTED.
EXPLOSIVE VIDEO SHOWN AT CHARITY GALA.
MULTIPLE INVESTIGATIONS OPENED.
Sarah turned off the television.
For tonight, Marcus could disappear.
She pulled the chair closer.
May you like
Then she rested beside Lily.
And for the first time since the playground, Sarah slept.
