desertion

108

EDDIE

The waiting room felt like it was closing in on us. We'd been here for hours, sitting in stiff chairs under the harsh fluorescent lights, waiting for any news. I couldn't stop pacing, the repetitive motion the only thing keeping me from completely losing it. Every so often, I glanced over at Buck, who was sitting with his elbows on his knees, his head in his hands. He hadn't spoken much since we got here, which was rare for him. Miles was next to him, pale and quiet, his knee bouncing anxiously. Athena, Bobby, and Hen were nearby, their expressions just as tense as mine.

Four hours. That's how long we'd been waiting. Every minute felt like a lifetime, and the longer it dragged on, the worse the scenarios running through my head became. What if we'd gotten here too late? What if the poison- No. I shook my head, cutting off the thought before it could go any further.

Finally, the door to the waiting room opened, and a doctor stepped inside. The entire room stood up at once, all of us on edge. The doctor had a calm demeanor, which eased some of the tightness in my chest.

"She's fine," the doctor said softly, her voice carrying the kind of reassurance we'd been desperate for. "Her body is responding very well to the fluids, and she's back there keeping the nurses entertained. Quite the comedian, that one."

I let out a shaky breath, relief flooding through me. The weight that had been crushing me for hours suddenly felt lighter.

"When can we see her?" I asked, my voice coming out steadier than I felt.

The doctor smiled. "You can see her now, but only one at a time."

Without hesitation, I nodded. "I'll go."

The doctor led me down the hallway to Lydia's room, and with each step, my heart pounded harder. When we reached the door, I hesitated for a second, my hand on the handle. Then I pushed it open.

Lydia was sitting up in bed, laughing at something the nurse was saying. Her face lit up when she saw me, and it was like I could finally breathe again.

"Hey, Dad," she said, her voice lighter than I expected.

I crossed the room quickly, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "Hey, mija. How are you feeling?"

"Better than earlier," she replied, her smile soft but genuine.

The nurse glanced at me with a kind expression. "She's doing really well. If everything continues as it is, she should be able to go home tomorrow."

"Thank you," I said sincerely as the nurse stepped out of the room.

When it was just the two of us, I pulled a chair up next to her bed and sat down. For a moment, neither of us spoke. I just looked at her, taking in the sight of her sitting there, safe and okay.

"You scared me," I admitted, my voice quieter now.

"I scared myself," she said with a small laugh, but there was something in her eyes-a vulnerability that reminded me how young she still was, no matter how strong she tried to be.

I reached out and took her hand in mine. "I'm just glad you're okay."

She nodded, her fingers tightening around mine. "I'll be fine, Dad. You don't have to worry so much."

I chuckled softly. "That's my job, kid."

We sat there for a while, just talking. She told me about the nurses, how they'd been cracking jokes to keep her spirits up, and I told her about everyone in the waiting room, how they were all worried sick about her.

"I bet Buck's losing his mind," she said with a small smile.

"You could say that," I replied. "Miles too. He's been pacing almost as much as me."

Her smile grew a little, and for the first time in hours, I felt like everything might actually be okay.

"I'll go let them know you're doing better," I said after a while, standing up. "They'll want to see you."

"Okay," she said, leaning back against her pillows. "But tell Buck not to smother me, okay? I'm fine."

I laughed, shaking my head. "I'll try, but you know how he is."

As I left the room, I glanced back at her one last time. She looked tired but at peace, and for the first time since this nightmare started, I felt the same.