Where Have You Gone

Chapter 4️⃣5️⃣

The hospital felt different that morning. It wasn’t the usual stillness. It was heavier — like the walls were holding their breath.

Becky sat quietly beside Anne’s hospital bed, her hand resting gently on the edge of the mattress, listening to Anne’s soft chatter as the girl clutched her bunny close.

“I think after the surgery,” Anne said, “I’ll run faster. Like a fox. Maybe a cheetah.”

Becky smiled faintly. “That would be something.”

From the hallway, footsteps approached — a hurried rhythm, voices under breath. Irin entered first, her face pale and tired, but managing a brave smile for her daughter. Richie followed, quieter than usual, holding two paper cups of coffee. He handed one to Becky, who accepted it silently.

“You okay?” Richie asked softly.

Becky gave a tiny nod.

Irin bent to kiss Anne’s forehead. “Our girl looks strong today.”

“She is,” Becky said quietly.

They stood for a moment around the child who had become the center of their shared universe — bloodline or not. Then came a knock on the door, light but deliberate.

Dr. Faye slipped in first, clipboard in hand, smile as bright as her earrings.

“Morning, superstar,” she said to Anne, who sat up a little taller.

“Hi, Dr. Faye!”

“Are we ready to be the bravest girl in the hospital today?”

Anne nodded solemnly. “I brought all my bravery. It’s in my socks.”

Faye grinned. “That’s the best place to keep it.”

She glanced at Becky, who offered a small smile. Faye had grown used to seeing her in these corridors — steady, unreadable, holding Anne’s world together. Faye liked her. Maybe more than she should. But Becky didn’t seem to see it. Or maybe she did — and chose not to.

Then Freen entered.

The room shifted — not noticeably, but something in Becky stilled.

Freen moved toward Anne with her usual calm, warm but professional. “Good morning, Anne. I heard you brought bravery in your socks today.”

Anne beamed. “And my bunny.”

Freen knelt beside her, glancing at the parents. “We’ll begin in about twenty minutes. It’s a straightforward repair. But I’ll be in there the whole time. And so will Dr. Faye.”

Richie nodded, and Irin reached for his hand.

Becky didn’t speak.

Freen turned toward her. “Becky.”

It wasn’t a greeting. More like a breath. A memory. A wish.

Becky raised her head. “Just bring her back to us.”

Freen’s voice cracked around the edges. “I will.”

Nurses entered with the transport team. Anne clutched her bunny tighter.

“Do you want to walk with me to the doors?” Freen asked Becky gently.

Becky rose. “Yes.”

They walked beside Anne’s gurney in silence. Faye hovered a few steps behind. Irin held Richie’s arm tightly, not quite trusting herself to follow.

At the surgical corridor doors, Freen stopped.

“You can wait here,” she said softly.

Anne looked up. “Are you scared, Aunt Becky?”