Her Heart

Chapter 40

Riley's POV

I look at my hands while sitting in the waiting room of the hospital. They're shaking. I can barely feel my fingers anymore, like they don't belong to me.

I force myself to breathe, but it comes out shaky. The chaos around me feels distant, muffled like I'm underwater. The only thing I can hear clearly is the pounding of my heart, loud and erratic in my chest.

From the distance several cry's can be heard as everyone's waiting for updates on  Sofia and Carter.

"Mommy what's happening?" Maya asks visibly scared.

"Nothing baby. Sofia and Carter just got a bit sick." I try to keep my voice steady but the tears are begging to be free.

She tilts her head, "Are they gonna get better?"

I bite my lip trying to keep my emotions in check. "Yeah, baby. They're strong. They're gonna get better."

Maya looks up at me with those innocent, wide eyes, clearly sensing more than I want her to. I can feel the weight of her concern, and it's crushing me. I hug her closer, kissing the top of her head.

From the distance I see Nadia rounding the corner. She keeps her eyes on me as she passes everyone.

"I'm so sorry Riley." She says as she reaches me.

"Just take Maya. Get her somewhere that no one can come look for her. Don't look at anyone just get her out of here."

Nadia's eyes widen in shock at my words, but she quickly nods, her expression shifting from sympathy to determination. "Of course," she says softly, bending down to Maya's level. "Hey, sweetheart, why don't you come with me for a bit, okay?"

Maya clings to me for a moment, her small arms wrapped around my neck. I can feel her hesitation, the way she's sensing something's wrong, "I just got back mommy. I don't want to go."

I hug her tight, holding her as close as I can, feeling the warmth of her tiny body against mine. "I know, baby," I whisper, my voice cracking. "I know you just got back, but this is just for a little while. I promise, I'll come get you soon."

Maya's small hands clutch the fabric of my shirt, and for a moment, I feel like I'm the one leaning on her, needing her strength more than anything. She's too young to understand, too innocent to know what's really going on, but the way she looks at me—like I'm her whole world—breaks something inside of me.

Nadia steps closer, her hand resting on Maya's back. "We'll go somewhere fun, okay? Maybe get some ice cream, and I'll show you my secret place by the park."

Maya hesitates, glancing between Nadia and me, her bottom lip quivering. "Will Carter come too?"

I freeze, my throat tightening as I force a smile. "Not today, baby. But soon. She's just a little sick right now."

Maya nods, reluctantly loosening her grip on me and sliding off my lap to take Nadia's hand. I watch them walk away, my heart shattering with each step.

The moment they disappear from sight, the weight of everything crashes down on me again. I bury my face in my hands, trying to hold back the sob that's threatening to break free.

Kai, Hazel, and Megan are all sitting around, their faces just as worried as mine. Avery is pacing back and forth, her arms crossed, biting her nails—something I've never seen her do.

Megan moves and sits down beside me, silent, but her presence is grounding. She doesn't say anything, doesn't try to give me false hope or empty reassurances. She just sits there, letting me fall apart without judgment.