Rushing out of the hospital, David spotted the nurse who was about to board a cab just outside.
Hello, nurse. So sorry to bother you. I'm Elina's father, the little girl you cared for earlier. Don't know if you remember?
"I know who you are, David?," and I remember Elina very well.
Oh okay, David replied.
"So, what can I do for you, David?" she asked with a warm smile running down her cheek.
"It's about Elina. Earlier this morning, she was really down from her heart condition, but now I'm really confused, when I got back this evening she was full of energy, almost as if the illness had disappeared. I'm not sure what to think," he said, his voice tinged with hope and confusion.
Well she's a remarkable girl, stronger than most. But Elina is still very sick. Her body fights hard, but we don't know how long she can keep it up. You need to find the money for the transplant soon. For now, Be rest assured that we're doing everything we can to keep her stable and safe. And I've grown quite fond of her, so there's no need to worry." The nurse said, her smile soft but earnest.
" I don't have the money yet. But I will try to get it as quickly as possible. Thank you for all you've been doing nurse…"
"Pearson. Just call me Pearson," she offered, with an unwavering smile.
"Thank you, Pearson," David said, managing a small smile.
"You're welcome, David," she replied as she walked away.
David watched her go, his heart heavy. A moment ago, he had clung to the hope that Elina might have miraculously recovered. Now, the reality of her situation pressed down on him even harder.
He returned to the hospital, finding Elina in her bed, ice cream stains around her mouth.
"Whoops, Dad! I ate all the ice cream. I couldn't resist," she said with a mischievous grin.
David chuckled, patting her curly hair. "That's okay, pumpkin I knew it's your favorite."
"Dad, you seem sad. What's wrong?" she asked, her small hand gripping his.
"Nothing serious, I just had a chat with the nurse," David replied, trying to keep his tone light.
"Was it Nurse Pearson? Elina asked with an unwavering smile.
"Yeah it was her, and you seems so happy calling her name," David said.
Yes Dad she was so nice, and I really like her. She took good care of me when Aunt Rachel went back to New Jersey.
"Oh really", David said, smiling at Elina's admiration for the nurse.
"I hope you thanked her for taking care of you?. David added."
"No dad, I didn't get the time to, but I will sure thank her when next I see her".
And dad, when will we be going home? I think I'm better now.
"We'll go soon, sweetie. The doctor just needs to make sure you're completely stable first, before we go."
"Okay, Dad," she replied, leaning on him and resting her head on his chest.
Later that evening, the hospital was so quiet, David sat by Elina's bedside watching her sleep. The conversation with Dr. Pearson lingered in his mind, along with the weight of the decision he had to make. The experimental treatment was a gamble, and the thought of risking Elina's life terrified him.
Staring out the window, watching as the city lights flickered in distance, memories of late nights at his typewriter came flooding back, nights when he'd weave tales of distant lands and heroic quests. But now, reality was more daunting than any story he'd ever written. He was living a nightmare, with the highest stakes imaginable.
A soft knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Rachel stepped into the room, her expression filled with concern.
"Hey," she whispered, pulling up a chair beside him. How's she doing?
She's hanging in there, David replied, his voice calm and soft. "But it's getting harder. I don't know how much longer she can fight this."
Rachel placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. David, you're doing everything you can. And you're not alone in this. We're going to get through it together.
David nodded, though the weight of responsibility still pressed heavily on his heart. "I know. But the transplant...I have not been able to raise the money, and I'm terrified of what might happen if we don't get it on time. What if… what if I lose her?"
Rachel leaned in, her voice gentle yet firm. "David, look at me," she said, waiting until his eyes met hers. "Elina's stronger than you realize, and so are you. I've seen you overcome so much already. This is another battle, yes, but it's one we're going to fight together."
David's eyes softened, a flicker of hope trying to break through the despair. "But what if it's not enough, Rachel? What if I'm not enough?"
Rachel's grip tightened on his shoulder. "Don't go down that road, David. You're enough because you're here. You're fighting for her every single day, and that's what she needs. She needs her dad, not a miracle worker."
David took a deep breath, the tension in his chest easing slightly. "You always know what to say, don't you?"
Rachel smiled, her tone lightening. "Well, someone has to keep you in line. Besides, you'd do the same for me."
A small chuckle escaped David, a rare sound these days. "Yeah, I suppose I would."