Unexpected

Part 10: You

After a few minutes of giving into her fear, Daphne stands up- wipes her eyes and begins to search for the exit.

Corner after corner, she turns and tries to find the stairwell. She opens tarp flaps and peers through archways and the farther in she goes- the darker and scarier it becomes.

As she runs around the next corner, she bumps head on into something.

Looking up from the floor, she finds Miguel standing over her- his hand extended out.

"Come Ava, you shouldn't be up here." He says and she takes his hand- thankful that someone found her.

Someone who wasn't her Aunt.

As they take the stairs down, silence fills the space. The only sound is that of their steps clicking against the metal stairs as they descend.

"Thank you for finding me." She meekly says.

"I figured you would end up getting yourself in trouble. Not that it's any of my business. Now- where was it you said your parents were?" He pries.

"Um...well..."

"Maybe I should take you to Admin so they can help you find them."

"No! Then they'll know I'm lost and I'll be in trouble. They were visiting my Grandpa in the... ICU."

"Your Grandpa?"

"Yes! He uh... he came in yesterday and was admitted."

"What's your last name?"

"Ahmadi." Before she can catch herself- she gives her real last name and nearly choked upon realization.

"Ava Ahmadi. Okay, well let's get you down to Administration."

***

Max was certain Daphne would seek him out as she had before. He was certain that she would be hiding in plain sight because she was a smart little girl who was like a chameleon- cloaking and blending into her environment easily.

As he is coming through Administration, he stops himself momentarily.

You don't wanted to disappoint me? Well it's far too late for that!

Her words echo in his mind. A heaviness washing over him.

What's the point of even trying? She doesn't want my help. She doesn't want nor need me.

"Ahmadi."

Looking around, he hears a familiar last name- but not a familiar voice. His eyes search the crowded hall and soon finds an older man about mid-sixties walking away from the information desk. Max follows him with his eyes. From down the hall, a good 40 yards from Max, he sees Miguel with Daphne as he hands her over to the man who Max now realizes must be Helen's father.

"Miguel! Wait!" Max calls, but it's too late. The old man is walking away with Daphne clutched in his hands. "Daphne!!!!"

Running after them, Max gets to Miguel.

"Who was that?!"

"A little girl who was looking for her family. Ava Ahmadi."

"Her names Daphne!"

"Well she's with her Grandpa- who must've just got released."

"He wasn't a patient! Have security start locking down the building! And call Dr. Sharpe!!" Max begins running again. He can just barely see the man's head.

Why is the hospital so fucking busy today?!

"Attention all visitors and personnel- this is a practice shut down. Please remain calm and do not leave the building. I repeat this is a practice drill. Remain calm and do not leave the building." A male security officer comes over the loudspeakers.