Abandoned

33

Lately, Sienna had become more curious about the world around her. She was pulling herself up on anything sturdy enough—furniture edges, the side of her hospital bed—testing her balance with a mixture of determination and wonder in her wide eyes. Zareya noticed every little movement, every tiny triumph, her heart swelling with quiet hope.

One afternoon, after watching Sienna wobble uncertainly against the dresser, Zareya made a decision. This was a milestone they could reach together.

"Come on, baby," she said softly, voice full of encouragement, "let's get you walking."

Zareya took Sienna's small hands in hers, steadying all her weight as they moved slowly around the room. The first few steps were unsteady, hesitant—Sienna's brows furrowed with concentration, her lips parting in quiet effort. Every stumble was met with a warm, reassuring smile from Zareya, every step with a gentle cheer.

"Look at you, baby. You're doing it! That's my brave girl."

Sienna's face lit up with pride, a little giggle escaping her lips as she leaned into Zareya's support. After several tries, Sienna started letting go—just for a moment at a time—taking tiny unaided steps. The effort was clear in her shaking legs, but so was her fierce determination.

By the end of the first week, something miraculous happened: Sienna took her first few steps all on her own. Her legs wobbled like a newborn deer, her arms raised for balance, and her lips parted in a wide, triumphant smile.

"Mama is so proud of you, baby," Zareya whispered, eyes misting as she crouched down and pulled Sienna into a gentle hug. "You're so clever, aren't you? My clever girl."

"Mama," Sienna babbled back, her voice bright and full of joy as she took another uncertain, wobbly step toward her.

The following days brought more practice and more progress. By the end of the second week, Sienna could walk across the room, her steps still unsteady but full of newfound confidence. She toddled rather than walked, but neither of them cared—this was freedom, the sweet reward of resilience and trust.

Watching Sienna move on her own for the first time, Zareya's chest tightened with pride and love. Here was her little girl—fragile yet fierce—taking on the world one trembling step at a time.

The next morning, Zareya brought Sienna to her usual therapy session, her heart quietly buzzing with pride. As they entered the room, Dr. Harrison glanced up from his notes, his eyes immediately drawn to the little girl who now took tentative steps without support.

"Well, look at you, Sienna," he said warmly, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You're walking!"

Sienna giggled, wobbling slightly but steady on her feet. Zareya beamed beside her, her hand resting lightly on Sienna's back.

Laila, who was setting up the play materials, stopped mid-motion when she noticed Sienna's newfound mobility. "This is wonderful progress," she said softly, kneeling down to Sienna's level. "I remember when she couldn't even stand without help."

Nicole, the placement coordinator, had been reviewing paperwork nearby but looked up and clapped quietly. "This is huge, especially considering all she's been through. Walking independently opens up a whole new world for her."

Sienna, energized by the attention, took a few more unsteady steps toward Laila, her face shining with pride. "Mama!" she babbled, reaching for Zareya.

Zareya's eyes filled with tears—tears of relief and joy. "She's amazing," she whispered. "Every day, a little stronger."

Dr. Harrison nodded. "We need to make sure we support this momentum. Physical therapy sessions will be crucial, but so will emotional support. Sienna is thriving because she feels safe."

The team exchanged knowing looks, a shared commitment to help Sienna grow stronger—step by step, day by day.

Zareya knelt down beside Sienna, hugging her gently. "We're all here for you, baby. You're doing so well."

Sienna smiled shyly, then took another proud step—this time toward a brighter, more hopeful future.

Dr. Harrison cleared his throat, his usual calm demeanor softened by a hint of vulnerability as he sat down beside Zareya and Sienna. His eyes met Zareya's first, then softened as they found Sienna's wide, curious gaze.

"I want to say something important," he began slowly, carefully choosing his words. "When I made the decision to take you off Sienna's case, I thought it was the best way to protect both of you—from professional conflicts, from complications. But... I was wrong."

He paused, swallowing the weight of the admission.

"I didn't fully understand how much it would affect Sienna—and you, Zareya. The trust and connection you both share are the foundation of her healing, and by pulling your back, I disrupted that. For that, I'm truly sorry."

Zareya's eyes shimmered, and she squeezed Sienna's hand gently. Sienna blinked up at Dr. Harrison, sensing the seriousness but also the kindness in his voice.

"I'm committed to making things right," Dr. Harrison continued. "Whatever it takes, I want to support you both—professionally and personally. Because you're both important to this journey."

He smiled softly, the tension easing just a little in the room.

"Thank you for being patient with me."

Zareya nodded slowly, her throat tight. "Thank you for saying that, Dr. Harrison. It means a lot. I know you had reasons, but... it was hard. For Sienna, for me. I wasn't sure if I'd get to be part of her life again."

Sienna, small and tentative, reached up and placed her tiny hand on Dr. Harrison's knee. The gesture was simple but spoke volumes — a quiet acceptance, a fragile bridge being rebuilt.

Dr. Harrison's eyes softened further, touched by the moment. "I never wanted to pull away from you both. Sometimes, the system makes things complicated, but I'm learning from that. And moving forward, I want us to be a team. No more stepping back."

He glanced at Sienna, then back to Zareya. "You both have my full support. Let's figure out how to best move forward together."

Zareya exhaled, a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "We want that too. For Sienna's sake, and for all of us."

Sienna gave a small, shy smile, her fingers curling a little more confidently around Zareya's hand.

Dr. Harrison stood, offering a warm smile. "Let's start with saying... your foster licence has been approved."

Zareya paused before she returned the smile, feeling the weight of the past lift just a little. The path ahead was still uncertain, but for the first time in a long time, it felt possible — together.