Where Have You Gone

Chapter 5️⃣1️⃣

The sky outside the hospital was a soft, cloud-streaked blue—the kind of blue that made everything feel temporary, like a breath held too long. The corridors buzzed with the usual chatter of nurses, wheels squeaking on polished floors, monitors humming their quiet rhythms. But for Becky, everything felt distant, muffled. She sat beside Anne’s bed, her fingers lightly grazing the edge of the blanket.

Anne was dressed in a fresh sweatshirt, her backpack neatly packed by the side. Her dark hair was tied in a braid Irin had done that morning, and Richie was double-checking the discharge papers with the nurse at the counter. Irin moved around the room with motherly precision, tucking in medication leaflets and extra bandages into the bag.

Anne looked at Becky with a small, quiet smile. “You okay?”

Becky nodded. “Just making sure you are.”

Anne leaned forward and wrapped her arms around her. “You’re the best, you know that?”

Becky smiled against her niece’s shoulder. “I try.”

There was a knock at the door, soft but certain. It was Freen.

She stepped in with a calm professionalism, clipboard in hand, white coat folded neatly. But her eyes found Becky almost immediately, and for a second, something unspoken sparked between them. Becky stiffened, but didn’t pull away.

“Anne,” Freen said gently, “you’ve healed beautifully. The scans are clear, your vitals are strong, and I don’t see any complications. But you’ll need rest and follow-ups.”

“I will,” Anne nodded seriously. “Thank you, Dr. Freen.”

Freen crouched down beside her. “You’re brave. Never forget that.”

Anne grinned. “I won’t.”

Freen’s eyes flicked toward Becky again. Becky met them, unreadable.

Richie entered the room again, holding up the completed documents. “We’re all set.”

“Let’s get you home, sweetheart,” Irin said, adjusting Anne’s coat.

Faye entered just then, holding a small gift bag. “Sorry, couldn’t let you go without a parting gift.”

“Faye!” Anne beamed. “What is it?”

“A plush heart. Because yours is the bravest I’ve ever seen,” Faye said, ruffling Anne’s hair.

They all laughed.

Becky lingered as everyone moved toward the door. Richie and Irin chatted softly, Anne bounced on her feet, and Faye guided the family ahead. Freen remained by the window, fingers loosely clenched around her clipboard.

Becky turned.

“Can I talk to you?” she asked quietly.

Freen’s voice was equally soft. “Of course.”

They stood facing each other in the quiet room, just the two of them.

“I didn’t get to say goodbye,” Becky said. “Not properly.”

“You don’t have to,” Freen replied. “Not if you don’t want this to be the end.”

Becky hesitated. “It’s easier when I don’t feel anything. When I pretend you’re just Anne’s doctor.”

“And yet you came to me yesterday,” Freen said gently. “And you stayed.”

“I did.”

“Why?”

Becky’s jaw tightened. “Because not feeling anything started to hurt more than remembering everything.”

Freen’s eyes welled up. She took a breath. “I don’t know what happens next. But I want to be in your life, Becky. Even if it’s slow. Even if it takes time.”

Becky stepped closer, reaching out until her fingers found Freen’s hand. “I don’t know if I can offer you the whole of me. But I can start with this.”

Their hands curled together.

“I can meet you halfway,” Becky whispered.

Freen leaned her forehead gently against Becky’s. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

Outside the room, Faye glanced back through the slightly open door, a smile forming as she saw the two women standing together—close, quiet, and connected.

Faye turned away, catching Richie’s glance and giving him a knowing nod.

“Shall we?” she said, her voice light.

Richie smiled. “Let’s go home.”

And inside, as the world outside moved on, Becky and Freen stayed still, holding onto a moment neither of them wanted to let go.