Robert and Laura hurried in with the battered boy as the automatic doors of the hospital swung open. Sweat and filth marred his pallid cheeks, and his breathing was rhythmic but shallow. A couple nurses at the front desk looked up in shock, but their instincts as professionals took over right away.
One of the nurses called, "Quick, over here!" and gestured for a gurney to be wheeled over.
Robert put the boy down gently, his hands shaking a little as he let go. Laura pulled the boy's hair away from his face, causing him to whimper gently and loll to one side. Despite the dirt and injuries, she couldn't help but note how delicate his features were.
The nurse asked calmly yet urgently, "What happened?"
Robert said, "We found him lying in the middle of the road," in a steady but tense voice. "He may be dehydrated and hurt. Just do everything you can to assist him, please.
The nurse gave the medical staff a nod. "We'll look after him. We'll give you an update as soon as we can, so please wait in the lobby."
Laura's hands lingered on the boy's shoulder while she hesitated. She muttered, "Please," to the nurse. "Do everything you can."
The nurse gave her a reassuring nod before the gurney was wheeled through a set of double doors, disappearing into the emergency ward.
---
The pair sat in the waiting room, the anxiety in the air heightened by the pristine white walls and the subtle antiseptic odor. Laura sat with her hands clasped tightly together, her knuckles white. With his elbows resting on his knees, Robert leaned forward and gazed at the ground.
"What do you think happened to him?" Laura broke the pause with a gentle question.
Robert gave a headshake. "I'm not sure. However, those wounds gave the impression that he had been through a lot.
"Who would abandon a child in such a manner? Her voice broke as she continued, "No less in the middle of the road."
Robert put a reassuring touch on her shoulder and reached out. "Laura, we'll find out. However, the most crucial thing at the moment is that he receives the care he requires.
With the situation's weight bearing down on them, they became silent once more.
---
A doctor with a composed yet solemn expression came out of the emergency room around thirty minutes later. With worried glances, the couple got to their feet right away.
"How is he?" Laura's question was hardly audible above a whisper.
"He's stable," the physician said. "Bruises, scrapes, and indications of malnourishment make up the majority of the injuries. Thankfully, there are no signs of internal injury. But... His forehead furrowed as he hesitated.
"However?" Robert asked, his voice piercing with worry.
The physician let out a sigh. He is underweight and badly dehydrated, which are indicators that he has been neglected for a while. For a full recovery, he will require the right care and nourishment. He's sleeping for the moment. He will need to relax, but you are welcome to visit him."
With a wave of relief, Laura put a palm over her chest. "I'm grateful, doctor. Really."
The physician gave a nod. "He's fortunate that you discovered him at that time. It may have been much worse if he had been out there for a lot longer.
---
The boy was lying in a tiny hospital room when the couple walked in. Despite the bandages on his head and limbs, the harsh fluorescent lights softened his features and gave him an almost serene appearance. Robert stood by the foot of the bed with his arms folded as Laura moved to the bedside and pulled up a chair.
Laura whispered, "He looks so fragile," as tears filled her eyes. "What kind of life must he have had to end up like this?"
Robert took a while to reply. His mind was buzzing with questions as he gazed at the boy. Who was he? From where had he come? For what reason was he left behind?
Robert finally stated, "We'll figure it out," in a firm voice. "We'll ensure his safety till then. He is currently under our care.
Laura's expression softened as she turned to face him. "Robert… do you think this is a sign?"
"A sign?"
As she talked, her voice faltered. "We have prayed for a family and a child. And now here he is, this boy who is as much in need of us as we are of him."
Robert's expression was unreadable for a time before softening as he met her eyes. He took a step forward her and touched her shoulder. "Maybe it is," he muttered. "Maybe this is our chance."
A small groan escaped the boy's lips as he woke in his slumber. Laura softly brushed his hair out of his face as she reached out.
"Now rest," she muttered. "You're safe with us."
---
The atmosphere in the room grew calm, almost serene, as the couple stood by the boy's side. For the first time in months, Laura felt a glimmer of hope. Whatever the future held, she knew one thing for certain: this boy had changed their lives forever.