Shining Star: Mya's Journey

Ch.15: Seeking Comfort

AFTER THE TURBULENT days of adjusting Mya's treatment, the family settled into a new routine. The hospital became a second home, its walls echoing with the familiar sounds of beeping machines & hushed conversations. Despite the clinical surroundings, Nick & Priyanka were determined to create moments of normalcy & joy for Mya.

~~~~~~~

One morning, as the sun streamed through the hospital room window, Priyanka brought a small box wrapped in bright paper. She placed it on Mya's bed with a smile.

"What's this, Mommy?" Mya asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Priyanka's smile widened. "It's a surprise. Open it & see."

Mya's small hands eagerly tore at the paper, revealing a set of watercolor paints & a pad of thick, white paper. Her face lit up with excitement.

"Paints! Can we paint, Mommy?"

"Of course, sweetheart," Priyanka replied, helping Mya set up the paints on the tray table. "We can paint whatever you want."

Nick, who had been strumming his guitar softly in the corner, put it down & joined them. "What should we paint today, Mya?"

Mya thought for a moment, her brow furrowed in concentration. "A rainbow," she decided. "With lots of colors."

Nick & Priyanka exchanged a smile, their hearts warmed by Mya's request. Together, they dipped brushes into vibrant hues & began to paint. Mya's laughter filled the room as she mixed colors & made bold strokes across the paper.

"Look, Daddy! I made purple!" Mya exclaimed, holding up her brush proudly.

Nick chuckled, his eyes shining with love. "That's beautiful, Mya. You're a natural artist."

As they painted, the door to the room opened, & Denise, Nick's mom, entered carrying a large basket of goodies. "Look who I found in the hallway!" she announced.

Behind her, Nick's brothers, Kevin & Joe, followed, their faces lighting up when they saw Mya.

"Hey, Mya!" Joe greeted, crouching down to her level. "What are you painting?"

Mya held up her paper, showing off her rainbow. "A rainbow!"

Kevin leaned in, examining her work. "That's amazing, Mya. You've got real talent."

Nick stood up, hugging his brothers. "It's good to see you guys. Thanks for coming."

Kevin clapped him on the back. "Of course. We wouldn't miss it."

Joe nodded in agreement. "We brought some of Mya's favorite snacks. Thought we could have a little picnic right here."

Mya's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Picnic!"

~~~~~~~~

As they sat up the picnic, the room was filled with the comforting buzz of family chatter & laughter. Denise laid out a spread of sandwiches, fruit, & cookies, while Kevin & Joe entertained Mya with stories & jokes.

"Remember that time we went camping & Nick tried to make s'mores but burned them all?" Joe teased, making everyone laugh.

Nick rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Hey, it was my first time!"

Mya giggled, his face bright with joy. "Daddy burned the marshmallows?"

Kevin nodded, his eyes twinkling. "Yep, but we still had fun."

The warmth of family wrapped around them, providing a welcome respite from the constant worry. They ate, laughed, & shared stories, creating new memories to cherish.

~~~~~~~~~

As the afternoon turned to evening, the family gathered around Mya's bed. Nick picked up his guitar again, strumming lightly. "How about a song before bed, Mya?"

Mya nodded, her eyes heavy with sleep but a smile on her lips. "Yes, please."

Nick began to play a gentle melody, his voice soothing as he sang a lullaby. Priyanka sat beside Mya, stroking her hair, while Kevin & Joe quietly tidied up the room.

"Close your eyes, little one, the stars are shining bright. Dream of rainbows & butterflies, all through the night..."

Mya's eyelids fluttered closed, her breathing evening out as she drifted off to sleep. Nick's voice grew softer, the song a tender caress that carried Mya into peaceful slumber.

When the song ended, Nick set the guitar down & kissed Mya's forehead. "Sweet dreams, my little artist," he whispered.

Priyanka hugged Nick, her eyes glistening with tears. "Today was perfect."

"It was," Nick agreed, his voice choked with emotion. "Thanks to our family."

Denise, Kevin, & Joe gathered around, each placing a gentle kiss on Mya's cheek before quietly leaving the room.

In the quiet that followed, Nick & Priyanka sat together, their hands intertwined. They watched their daughter sleep, theirs hearts filled with gratitude for the moments of joy & the strength of their's family's love.

"We'll keep doing this," Priyanka murmured. "Creating happy memories for her."

Nick nodded, his voice a vow. "Every day, Pri. For Mya."