Abandoned

23

The morning light filtered through the window, casting soft shadows in the hospital room. Sienna sat on the floor, her favorite stuffed elephant resting beside her. She gently tugged at its ear, a small, concentrated frown on her face.

Zareya sat nearby, her focus on a stack of papers, but her attention always seemed to be on Sienna. Today was a little different though. There was a knock at the door, and Sienna's head shot up, her eyes wide as she looked toward it.

"That's Ms Aaziz," Zareya said, giving Sienna a reassuring smile as she stood up to answer. "It's just your social worker. Nothing to worry about."

Sienna's brow furrowed slightly, but she didn't move. She had seen Ms Aaziz a few times before, but the woman's presence was still unfamiliar enough to make Sienna feel a little unsure. She preferred her routine—Zareya, her toys, the soft rhythm of their days together.

When Zareya opened the door, Ms Aaziz stepped inside with a warm smile. The woman was tall, with kind eyes that crinkled at the corners when she smiled. She wore a soft, professional outfit that matched her gentle demeanour paired with a pale pink hijab.

"Good morning, Zareya," Ms Aaziz said, her voice warm and calm.

"Morning, Laila," Zareya replied, gesturing to Sienna. "Sienna's just over here. She's a little shy today, but she's okay."

Sienna glanced over at the woman from behind her elephant, clutching it tightly in her arms. The social worker smiled gently, her expression softening as she knelt down to Sienna's level, giving her space.

"Hey there, Sienna," she said, her tone friendly and soothing. "How are you doing today?"

Sienna of course didn't respond, her eyes flicking between Zareya and the unfamiliar woman. She pressed the elephant's ear to her cheek, her thumb tucked between the toy's legs for comfort. Her body was tense, but she didn't shy away. This was new. Still, she wasn't sure about how she felt.

Zareya sat next to Sienna on the floor, watching the interaction closely. "She's been doing well lately," she said softly, offering encouragement. "She has moved onto lumpier foods and is much more vocal. She has become accustomed to her routine that we have build over the last few weeks and has started to be more open with new faces. Sometimes, it just takes her a little time to warm up to people she doesn't see often."

Ms Aaziz nodded in understanding, her smile never wavering. She was glad to see Sienna making such good progress.

Sienna continued to clutch her elephant, her gaze drifting back to the toy. The social worker sat back slightly, not pushing, but waiting patiently for Sienna to come to her in her own time. After a moment, she picked up a soft, stuffed bunny from the bag she had set down by the door.

"I brought a little something for you, Sienna," she said, holding the bunny out toward her with a friendly gesture. "I thought you might like this. It's a new friend, just like your elephant."

Sienna hesitated, her small fingers curling tighter around her toy. She glanced at the bunny, then at Zareya, unsure.

Zareya smiled encouragingly, "It's okay, sweetie. You can look at it if you want to."

Ms Aaziz gave a soft chuckle, sensing the hesitation. "You can just look at him first. No need to take him if you're not ready."

Sienna's eyes lingered on the bunny, her curiosity piqued. Slowly, ever so slowly, she reached out, her fingers brushing the soft fabric of the bunny's ears. She didn't take it right away, but the simple gesture felt like progress. It was a small step—a sign that Sienna was opening up, even if just a little.

The social worker watched her closely, her voice still gentle. "You're doing so well, Sienna. I can tell you're a very brave girl."

Zareya placed a hand on Sienna's back, her touch light and supportive. "See, sweet girl? No need to rush. You're in control."

After a few more moments of quiet, Sienna's thumb still tucked securely in her elephant's leg, she finally gave a small, tentative smile. She reached for the bunny, her fingers wrapping gently around it. It was a small moment, but to Zareya, it meant everything.

Ms Aaziz smiled brightly, a quiet celebration in her eyes. "There you go, Sienna. I'm glad you like him."

Sienna hugged the bunny to her chest, feeling the softness against her skin, and Zareya's heart swelled. Even on days like today, when Sienna seemed quieter or unsure, she could see how far they had come.

Ms Aaziz stood up slowly, giving Sienna a soft, encouraging look. "Well, I'll leave you to your playtime, sweet girl. It was so good to see you today."

Sienna hummed, still clutching the bunny in her arms, her eyes brightening just a little.

The social worker turned around with a smile that could light up the room. "Bye, Sienna. Take care of your new friend," she said, before leaving the room with a final wave.

Zareya watched Sienna, her heart full of pride. She could see how much Sienna had grown, how much trust she was building. Each small step was progress—a step toward opening up, toward accepting care and affection from those around her. A step away from her horrid past.

Sienna sat on the floor, her new bunny clutched tightly to her chest, her face soft and content. "You're a good girl," Zareya whispered, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. "You're doing so well."

Sienna looked up at her, her eyes shining with something deeper than before. She didn't say anything, but her smile was enough.

And for now, that was all that mattered.

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An

I have big ideas for this story! Let me know what you would like to see in the meantime.