Shining Star: Mya's Journey

Ch.19: The Gift

THE NEXT MORNING, as sunlight streamed through the hospital room window, Nick & Priyanka prepared for another day with Mya. Despite the daily challenges, the family had found strength & joy in their time together.

~~~~~~~~

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Priyanka greeted Mya as she woke up.

Mya yawned & stretched, smiling. "Good morning, Mommy. What are we doing today?"

Nick sat beside her, holding a small wrapped box. "We have a special surprise for you, Mya."

Mya's eyes widened with curiosity. "Another surprise?"

Priyanka nodded, her eyes twinkling. "Yes, but first, let's get you ready for the day."

~~~~~~~

After a breakfast & a visit from Dr. Johnson, Nick & Priyanka sat with Mya on her bed, the small wrapped box in Nick's hands.

"This is something very special," Nick said, handing the box to Mya. "Open it & see."

Mya's small hands carefully unwrapped the box, revealing a beautiful silver locket. She looked up at her parents, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's so pretty! What's inside?"

Priyanka helped Mya open the locket, revealing tiny pictures of Nick, Priyanka, & Mya together. "It's to remind you that we're always with you, no matter what," Priyanka explained softly.

Mya's eyes filled with tears. "I love it. Thank you, Mommy & Daddy."

Nick kissed her forehead. "We love you, Mya. We wanted you to have something special to keep close to your heart."

As Mya admired the locker, another knock on the door announced the arrival of Kevin, Joe, & Sophie. They enters with a burst of energy, carrying a large, colorful box.

"Hey, Mya!" Joe called out, grinning. "We brought you something too!"

Mya's face lit up with excitement. "Another present?"

Sophie nodded, setting the box on the bed. "We thought you might like this."

Mya eagerly opened the box, revealing a collection of art supplies – paints, brushes, sketchbooks, & more. "Wow! This is amazing! Thank you!"

Kevin smiled, ruffling Mya's hair. "We know how much you love to create. We want you to have everything you need to make beautiful art."

Mya hugged each of them in turn. "You're the best uncles & auntie ever!"

Joe laughed. "We think you're pretty great too, Mya."

The room filled with laughter & chatter as Mya explored her new art supplies. Nick & Priyanka watched with smiles, grateful for the support & love from their family.

~~~~~~~

Later, as Mya began painting with her new supplies, Nick & Priyanka stepped outside the room for a moment, needing a brief respite.

"I can't believe how strong she is," Priyanka said, her vice full of admiration. "She's been through so much, yet she keeps smiling."

Nick nodded, his eyes misty. "She's our inspiration. Every day she shows us what it means to be brave."

As they stood in the hallway, Nick's phone buzzed with a message. He checked it & smiled. "I think Mya's about to get another surprise."

"What is it?" Priyanka asked, curious.

"You'll see," Nick replied with a wink.

They returned to the room, where Mya was happily painting a picture of a unicorn. Another knock on the door drew everyone's attention.

"Who could that be?" Mya wondered aloud.

Nick opened the door to reveal Selena & Demi once again, but this time they had brought a special guest – Taylor Swift.

"Hi, Mya," Taylor greeted, her smile warm & genuine. "I heard you've been very brave, & I wanted to come back to see you."

Mya's eyes went wide with disbelief. "Really?"

Taylor knelt down beside Mya's bed, her eye soft with kindness. "Really. I brought something for you."

She handed Mya a signed guitar, adorned with colorful stickers & Taylor's signature. "I thought you might like to learn some new songs."

Mya's jaw dropped. "This is the best day ever! Thank you, Taylor!"

Taylor hugged her gently. "You're welcome, Mya. You're such a special girl, I'm honored to have to come back to see you again."

Nick & Priyanka exchanged a look of gratitude with Selena & Demi, who had helped arrange the surprise.

As Taylor settled in, she picked up the guitar & began to play one of her songs, her voice filling the room with a soothing melody. Mya watched in awe, her eyes sparkling with joy.

After the song, Taylor handed the guitar to Mya. "Would you like to try?"

Mya nodded eagerly, her small hands carefully taking the guitar. Taylor guided her fingers to the strings, showing her the basics.

"Just like this," Taylor said, demonstrating a simple chord. "You're doing great, Mya."

Mya's face lit up with concentration & determination. "I want to learn all your songs!"

Taylor laughed softly. "We'll start with one & go from there."

The afternoon passed in a blur of music & laughter. Taylor's presence brought a sense of magic to the room, her kindness & warmth enveloping everyone.

~~~~~~

As the sun began to set, Taylor, Selena, & Demi said their goodbyes, promising to return soon. "Keep practicing, Mya," Taylor encouraged. "You're already amazing."

After they left, Mya looked at her parents, her heart full. "Today was perfect."

Priyanka hugged her tightly. "We're so glad you had a good day, sweetheart."

Nick kissed Mya's forehead. "Every day with you is a gift, Mya. We love you so much."

Mya snuggled into her bed, clutching her new locket & guitar. "I love you too, Mommy & Daddy."

As Mya drifted off to sleep, Nick & Priyanka sat beside her, their hearts overflowing with love & gratitude. They knew the road ahead would still have challenges, but moments like these made every step worthwhile.

"We'll keep finding ways to make her smile," Priyanka whispered, her voice filled with determination.

Nick nodded, his heart full. "Always, Pri. For Mya."

And with that promise, they turned off the lights, leaving the room bathed in the soft glow of their love & hope for the days to come.