One single thread of Gold

Chapter 12 [Now]

"I want auroras and sad prose, I want to watch wisteria grow right over my bare feet, 'Cause I haven't moved in years. And I want you right here."

Now, Seattle 2023

"Dr. DeLuca?" Bailey's voice echoed through her office, the tone filled with a mix of urgency and concern. She leaned forward, her gaze fixed on the man standing before her, engrossed in his phone as he read aloud the name displayed on the screen.

"Yes, and uh, there's a number attached to it," he finally responded, passing the device to Bailey. As she glanced down at the screen, her brows furrowed, realizing that the area code was unfamiliar. "It's international. Italy. We sorta looked it up" Jack pointed between him and Andy as the doctor continued to examine the message sent by Vic to the man, absorbing the information displayed on her phone.

"Very well," Bailey nodded, contemplating the situation. "Someone bring me Maya's file immediately. I need to make this call and locate Dr. DeLuca to deliver the news." Her eyes met the two firefighters, conveying her expectation for them to retrieve the necessary documents. With a determined expression, she began dialing the unfamiliar number, her fingers moving swiftly across the keypad.

As Bailey was about to initiate the call, her attention was briefly diverted by Andy, who cleared her throat hesitantly before speaking up. The firefighter's voice quivered slightly as she expressed her concerns. "Um, Dr. Bailey, we don't have any idea who this woman is," Andy interjected. "Shouldn't we be present when a decision is made regarding Maya's situation? After all, we are her family."

Bailey sighed, understanding the sentiment behind Andy's words. She shifted her gaze towards the firefighter, her eyes filled with empathy. "I understand Lieutenant. However, this matter is beyond my control," Bailey explained gently. "If the Captain has chosen this woman as her power of attorney then we have to believe that Maya trusts her"

Andy was about to argue further, but Bailey raised her hand, effectively silencing her. "If that's all, I believe it would be in Maya's best interest if we contacted Dr. DeLuca as soon as possible."

Andy sighed, her frustration mingled with resignation. She nodded in agreement, casting a final glance at Bailey, before exiting the office. Jack followed suit, leaving Bailey to fulfill her responsibility and reach out to Dr. DeLuca.

Each ring felt like an eternity, the shrill sound cutting through the air and intensifying the already charged atmosphere in Bailey's office. With each passing second, the anticipation mounted, weighing heavily on her as she anxiously waited for someone to answer on the other end of the line.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, the call connected and a voice broke through, "Pronto," the soft, melodic voice greeted her, speaking in Italian. "Buongiorno, sono la dottoressa DeLuca?"

Bailey paused for a brief moment, the language barrier momentarily caught her off guard. Composing herself, she took a deep breath to steady her racing heart and replied in a composed tone, "Hi, Dr. DeLuca? This is Dr. Miranda Bailey speaking. I'm calling you from Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle. It's regarding a patient we have who has listed you as their power of attorney. Maya Bishop?"

The sound of shallow breathing seeped through the line, a subtle indication that emotions were running high on the other end of the conversation. Bailey's heart went out to this unknown woman, recognizing the signs of distress.

There was a brief moment of silence, indicating that Dr. DeLuca was processing the information. In the background, words were whispered in Italian, filled with a mix of concern and urgency. Finally, a response came, this time in English, "How serious is it? I mean, it must be if you need her power of attorney on standby. I'll be there. Give me a day, and I'll be there."