Zack stepped out of the testing room, his exhaustion evident. As soon as he saw his mother, Meredith, he walked straight to her, pulling her into a tight hug. He hadn't allowed himself this closeness in years, but right then, he needed it more than ever.
Meredith held him, her voice soothing. "You're not alone, Zack. Olivia and Zivia... they'll be fine. Olivia's strong, independent, nothing will happen to her. And Zivia has the world's strongest parents."
Zack squeezed his eyes shut, holding onto her. Her words grounded him, offering a small sense of hope.
Meredith continued, "They're fighters, just like you. Your family is strong. They'll be okay."
---
Before Zack could fully compose himself, a nurse approached. "Mr. Goldsmith," she called gently.
Zack turned instantly, his mother's hand still gripping his arm.
The nurse offered a small smile. "Your daughter is awake."
Zack nearly staggered, his breath catching in his throat. "She's-she's awake?" His voice was rough with emotion.
The nurse nodded. "Yes, but only one person can go in."
Meredith squeezed his arm reassuringly. "Go," she urged with a soft smile.
Zack didn't hesitate. He rushed behind the nurse, his heart hammering. The moment he stepped inside, his eyes landed on Zivia-his little girl, lying in the hospital bed, her tiny frame surrounded by wires and monitors. Her right wrist was wrapped in a cast, her left arm bandaged.
Zivia blinked up at him, her big, sleepy eyes filling with relief. "Dada..." Her voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper.
Zack swallowed hard, forcing himself to stay strong. He approached carefully, sitting beside her. "Princess," he murmured, his hand trembling as he cupped her tiny cheek.
Zivia's lips wobbled. "Dada... ow..."
Zack's chest tightened painfully. He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I know, baby... I know. I'm so sorry." He held her as delicately as he could, mindful of the IV and wires.
His mind kept chanting the same thing over and over: She's not dead. You didn't lose her. She's right here.
Zivia's tiny fingers clutched his shirt. "Dada cry?" she asked, her broken English making his heart twist.
Zack quickly wiped at his damp eyes, forcing a small smile. "No, princess. Dad's not crying." His voice wavered slightly, but he needed to be strong for her.
Zivia frowned, clearly not convinced. "Promise?"
Zack nodded. "Promise." He kissed her knuckles, his grip firm yet impossibly gentle.
She snuggled closer, then mumbled, "Where Mama?"
Zack's breath hitched. For a moment, he couldn't speak. His grip on her hand tightened slightly.
"Mama's... sick, sweetheart," he finally whispered. "She's resting."
Zivia's brows furrowed. "She wake up soon?"
Zack forced a smile, stroking her hair. "Yeah, baby. Soon."
He just prayed it was true.
---
Zivia nestled into Zack's arms, mumbling soft, incoherent gibberish.
Zack chuckled through the lump in his throat. "Princess, what are you saying?"
"Dada... big badoo... an' den... boom! Gone!" she babbled, waving her little fingers in the air.
Zack nodded seriously, playing along. "Ohhh, the big badoo disappeared? That's good. Can't have any badoos near my princess."
