Underworld Ties

Navigating the Storm

The hospital waiting room felt like a strange limbo, a place where time seemed to stretch and contract all at once. Bobby sat beside Bella, who was doodling in her sketchbook, her brow furrowed in concentration. He glanced at her, wishing he could erase the worry from her face. They had just received the news about Nicole's diagnosis, and the weight of it pressed heavily on his chest.

"Dad?" Bella looked up, her big eyes glistening. "Are we going to see Mommy soon?"

"Yeah, sweetie," Bobby replied, forcing a smile. "She's just finishing up with the doctor. You know how long those check-ups can take."

Bella nodded but didn't seem convinced. "Like, forever?"

"Like, a million years," Bobby said, exaggerating his expression. "I think the doctor might be stuck in another dimension or something."

Bella giggled, her laughter lightening the mood just a bit. "Maybe he's fighting aliens!"

"Exactly! And Mommy's his secret weapon," Bobby added, leaning closer. "She's probably out there saving the world right now."

### The Waiting Game

As they waited, Bobby checked his phone for any updates from Nicole. Nothing yet. He tried to distract himself with small talk.

"So, what's the best thing you drew today?" he asked, eyeing her sketchbook.

Bella held it up proudly. "Look! It's a dragon that plays the piano!"

Bobby leaned in, examining the drawing. "Wow! That's incredible! Is he going to have a concert?"

"Yeah!" Bella exclaimed. "And all the other dragons will come. They'll clap their wings!"

"Perfect! I can see it now: 'The Great Dragon Concert: A Musical Extravaganza!'" Bobby said, using a faux announcer voice. "Tickets are selling out fast, folks! Get yours now!"

Bella burst into laughter, their little game easing the tension in the air.

"But what if they can't find a piano big enough?" she asked, her brow furrowing again.

"It'll be a grand piano, of course!" Bobby replied, puffing out his chest. "Only the biggest and best for our piano-playing dragon."

Just then, Nicole walked in, her expression a mixture of fatigue and relief. Bobby's heart sank and soared at the same time. He stood up, ready to embrace her, but Bella rushed ahead, throwing her arms around her mother.

"Mommy! I missed you!" Bella exclaimed.

Nicole knelt down, wrapping her arms around Bella and kissing the top of her head. "I missed you too, sweet girl. How was the play?"

Bobby watched, a smile creeping onto his face. "She was the best witch on stage."

"Really?" Nicole asked, her eyes sparkling with interest.

"Absolutely! No one else could turn a prince into a frog with such flair!" Bobby exaggerated, causing Bella to giggle.

"I did say 'Abracadabra!'" Bella chimed in, her eyes wide.

"See? A true professional," Bobby replied, giving her a thumbs-up.

### The Serious Talk

As they settled back into their seats, the atmosphere shifted slightly. Nicole's smile faded, replaced by the seriousness of the situation. Bobby took her hand, squeezing it tightly.

"I spoke with the doctor," Nicole began, her voice steady but quiet. "We have options. Treatments, surgeries... they're hopeful."

Bobby nodded, feeling a mix of anxiety and relief. "What's the plan?"