Chapter Two : Mischief begins
The next day, Tuesday, Sophie was feeling especially mischievous. Armed with a hospital gown that was far too big for her and an insatiable sense of adventure, she devised a plan. She had overheard the nurses talking about a surprise inspection of the children's ward later that afternoon, and she decided she would crash the party.
With her father busy at a meeting and the nurses distracted, Sophie slipped out of her room and made her way to the children's ward. She donned the oversized gown, cinching it at the waist with a belt she'd fashioned from an extra IV line. The sight of her in the ill-fitting gown had her giggling, but she was on a mission.
Once she reached the children's ward, Sophie peeked in to see a group of kids gathered around, their faces painted with curiosity and excitement. She knew Ethan would be there, helping out as part of his "exposure" to the medical world.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Sophie exclaimed, bursting into the room like a whirlwind. "I bring you a special surprise: a magician who just so happens to be a patient!"
The kids' eyes widened with excitement, and Sophie, fueled by their enthusiasm, started pulling off silly "tricks"—like pretending to pull a rubber chicken from her gown and making "magic" with a stethoscope. The laughter echoed through the ward.
Ethan turned to see what the commotion was about, his eyes widening as he recognized Sophie. "What on earth are you doing?"
"Ethan! Help me! I'm trapped in this gown!" she declared, feigning panic while struggling to escape its oversized confines. The kids erupted in laughter, and Sophie played up the act, diving dramatically to the floor.
Ethan rushed over. "Okay, okay, I think we need to get you out of here before you get us all in trouble."
"Trouble?" she grinned, clearly enjoying herself. "But I thought we were here to have fun!"
"Sophie!" he exclaimed, running a hand through his hair. "What were you thinking? You can't just barge into the children's ward like that! You're a patient here!"
Sophie's smile faltered, and she crossed her arms defensively. "I was just trying to lighten the mood! Those kids needed some fun."
"I get that, but you have to understand the rules! You could have gotten in serious trouble—or worse, put yourself at risk!" Ethan's voice softened a bit as he added, "I don't want anything to happen to you."
Feeling a pang of disappointment, Sophie looked away. "I thought you'd appreciate the fun side of things.
He took a breath, trying to calm himself. "I appreciate it, but it's my job to keep things safe around here, especially with my dad watching me."
She sensed the underlying tension, remembering Ethan's earlier conversations about his father's expectations. "So, you're just going to side with the rules?" she shot back, a hint of hurt in her voice. "What about having a little adventure?"
Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair again. "I really can't. I have a lot of work to do, and I don't want to disappoint my dad."
That struck a nerve. Sophie's green eyes flashed with determination. "Then take me somewhere exciting! I want to see something beyond these walls. Show me you can have fun, too!"
He hesitated, torn between his responsibilities and her fiery spirit. He remembered his father's warning about the Carters—how influential they could be, how he should avoid disappointing them.
"Okay," he relented finally, his voice low. "But just for a little while. I can't be gone too long, or I'll really get in trouble."
Sophie's eyes lit up. "Yes! Thank you!"
Ethan led her through the winding corridors, trying to remain inconspicuous. They took the stairs to the rooftop, where the city skyline sprawled out before them, a breathtaking view that made the hospital feel like a distant memory.
As they stepped onto the rooftop, Sophie gasped, taking in the sight. The sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. "This is amazing!" she exclaimed, spinning around with delight.
Ethan chuckled, relieved to see her smile return.
"I knew you had it in you!" she said, her excitement infectious. She walked to the edge of the rooftop, feeling the wind whip through her hair. "I needed this. It's like a breath of fresh air up here."
Ethan joined her at the edge, leaning against the railing. "Just don't lean too far over," he warned, though the tension between them was fading, replaced by a shared sense of freedom.
"Promise I won't!" she replied, grinning up at him. "But you have to admit, this is better than sitting in that sterile room all day."
"Okay, you've got a point," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "But let's not make a habit of this. I don't want to end up in trouble for sneaking you around."
Sophie laughed, her eyes sparkling. "No promises! But just think about it—this could be our little secret. The roof is our hideaway."
Ethan couldn't help but chuckle. Despite the scolding, he felt a thrill of excitement being up there with her. "Alright, our little secret it is. Just don't make me regret it."
As they stood together, the sun setting behind the city, Sophie felt a connection blossoming between them. This wasn't just about breaking the rules; it was about finding a moment of joy and adventure in a world that often felt too serious. And for Ethan, it was a reminder that sometimes, the rules could be bent, especially if it meant sharing a smile with someone who brought a little magic into his life.