MAYA, my love.

CHAPTER 27

The following morning, a gray sky hung over the town, reflecting the anxious atmosphere in Jared and Sophie's home. Lilo lay on the couch, wrapped in her favorite blanket, trembling with fever and coughing, deepening Jared's concern. He paced the room, frequently checking the clock, feeling the minutes drag on.

Sophie entered, her brow furrowed, holding a cup of herbal tea. "Jared, I think we need to take Lilo to the Royal Hospital today," she said, her voice steady but filled with worry. "The medicine hasn't helped much, and her fever and cough... I hope not, but maybe it's the plague."

Jared nodded, urgency clear in his demeanor. "I agree, my dear. We must see the physician. She will know what to do."

They prepared for the journey immediately, determined to help their daughter. Sophie kissed Lilo's forehead and whispered soothing words before Jared carefully lifted her into his arms. The air was brisk and cold as they stepped outside, with winter approaching—a bad sign for the spreading disease to get even worse.

Jared mounted his horse, holding Lilo close, while Sophie stayed behind, looking at them anxiously until they disappeared around the street corner. "I'll be back soon, my love," he promised, casting a reassuring glance back at her.

The ride to the Royal Hospital was filled with unease, each rhythmic hoofbeat matching the quickening of his heart. As they approached the hospital, the atmosphere buzzed with activity, contrasting sharply with his anxiety. Upon entering, Jared approached the front desk, where a nurse named Nora greeted him.

"Good day. We need to see Dr. Mey right away," he said urgently. "Our daughter, Lilo, has a fever and a bad cough."

Nora's expression turned serious. "I'm afraid Dr. Mey is not available today. She took a sudden leave of absence."

"What do you mean she's not here?" Jared asked, disbelief creeping into his voice. "Dr. Mey never does that."

"She was quite flustered earlier," Nora explained. "She submitted her leave request in a hurry and left before her shift began. We're all quite concerned."

Jared felt a wave of dismay. "But Lilo needs her."

"I understand," Nora replied gently. "In the meantime, I can arrange for a junior doctor to examine her."

"Can we not wait for Dr. Mey?" Jared pressed.

"I know it's not ideal," Nora said. "But the junior doctor can provide an assessment, and we'll inform Dr. Mey as soon as she returns."

Reluctantly, Jared agreed. "Alright, but I want Dr. Mey to see her as soon as she's back."

Nora quickly called for Dr. Collins, a young physician in training. He entered with a mix of nerves and determination. "Hello! I'm Dr. Collins. Let's take a look at this brave girl."

Jared knelt beside Lilo, stroking her hair as the doctor examined her. After a thorough check, Dr. Collins frowned. "I think it's best to admit her to the ward for observation. She most certainly has been struck by the plague."

"Will she be okay? Will Dr. Mey be able to see her when she returns?" Jared asked, anxiety tightening his chest.

"Absolutely," Dr. Collins assured him. "As soon as Dr. Mey is back, she'll review Lilo's case personally. And don't worry too much; you've been quick to recognize the child's symptoms and get her examined. Her condition is not severe yet, so we hope for a good prognosis. But that will only be confirmed by my seniors, who will make rounds later today."

With a heavy heart, Jared nodded and thanked him, knowing they needed to act. They prepared to take Lilo to the ward quickly, and he held her small hand tightly, whispering promises of comfort. "You'll be okay, my dear Lilo. We're right here with you."

As they wheeled her into a ward. Jared was stopped at the doors, not allowing entry. He longed for Dr. Mey's presence, someone they could trust in this uncertain time. He clung to hope that she would return soon. Until then, all he could do was wait and deal with the situation as sanely as he could. Sophie was back home worried as well. He needed to inform her too. He hesitated at the doors and slowly turned around to go back. What else could he do?