1921
Lynchburg, VirginiaThree days later, Rosalie was still bedridden, but on the better side of the mend.
The little girl was antsy about staying in bed, but Dr. Slater insisted it was for the best.
It didn't take much to console the girl, as she took every word from Dr. Slater's mouth as golden.
"Am I better now?" Asked Rosalie, her voice still hoarse from the cough that settled in after her fever left her.
Eden hummed, observing her intently.
She wasn't a Doctor. This was only to tickle sweet Rosalie.
She lifted Rosalie's arm and nodded.
"Your arm does seem to be intact," She pretended to scribble on her invisible clipboard. "I say your arm serum has done the job,"
Rosalie's dark eyes narrowed as she tried not to laugh. "My arm? Nooooo! It's my insides!" She gently shook Eden's arm. "You have to do what Mr. Carmen does to check me,"
Eden gasped. "Your insides? Goodness me! I was all wrong," She facepalmed, making Rosalie finally giggle.
"Yes, you were!" Rosalie beamed. "I think I am well, very well,"
"Allow me to judge that," Carmen said, coming into the bedroom with his Doctor's bag and something else.
"Mr. Carmen!" Rosalie cheered, waving at the kind man. "My Mommy says my arm was sick, not my insides," She explained exasperatedly. "But you can see, you know!"
Carmen couldn't help but smile.
Rosalie was an infectious little delight.
"I will check, sit tall for me." He instructed and placed his bag and surprise beside the bed.
Eden stepped aside but watched closely.
Rosalie did as he said and opened her mouth, knowing his thermometer would be coming out.
"Your eyes are better, your tonsils are no longer swollen," He removed the thermometer from her mouth. "Ahh, your cold has passed. Bless the Lord,"
"Really?" Her eyes were widened with hope.
He nodded. "Yes, dear girl."
"Pancakes?"
He chuckled at the giddy smile on her still-flushed face. "Of course, but there's something else for you," He scratched his head dramatically. "Ms. Eden, what say you? Shall I give your little Rose something else?"
Confusion and apprehension flashed in her eyes, still, she nodded.
It was all he could ask for.
"Close your eyes, Rosalie."
She obeyed, jittering from excitement.
Carmen reached into the bag and pulled out a white teddy bear.
Lord.
Eden bit her lip, wanting to tell the man to return it.
Wanting to tell the man to stop with his strange kindness.
This was too much.
"Open your eyes,"
In a flash, Rosalie was rejoicing.
She couldn't believe her eyes.
Mr. Carmen gave her a new teddy.
"Oh, Mr. Carmen! It's soooo beautiful!" She gushed, kissing the beautiful white bear. "I love it! I love it!"
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The Hope of Eden
ChickLitSet in 1921, Virginia. - After almost losing her life, Eden leaves everything she knows behind with the promise of a better tomorrow. With her younger sister in tow, in the name of her daughter, Eden finds herself working for a wealthy much older Do...