Abandoned

41

The announcement came in the late afternoon, just as Sienna was finishing her snack of soft banana slices in her hospital room. She sat curled against Zareya's side on the little sofa, her cheeks sticky, her fingers tapping rhythmically against her elephant plush. The room's familiar hum wrapped around her, steady, predictable, safe.

But that safety was exactly what the team wanted to push gently, just a little.

Dr. Harrison stepped inside with Charlotte and Laila close behind. All three wore soft expressions, their tones calm and practiced, the kind meant not to startle a child who was still learning that changes didn't always mean danger.

"We have some good news," Dr. Harrison said, glancing first at Sienna, then at Zareya. "We'd like to trial an overnight in the family room."

Zareya's breath hitched. "Tonight?"

"If you're comfortable," Laila added quickly, "and if Sienna seems up for it. No pressure. It's only a trial."

Zareya smoothed a hand down Sienna's back. The little girl leaned into her, already sensing something shifting in the air. Her gaze flicked toward the staff, then back to her mama, worry creeping into her expression.

"What do you think, sweetheart?" Zareya whispered gently. "Should we try sleeping in a different room? With Mama?"

Sienna's immediate reaction was to bury her face into Zareya's chest, gripping her shirt with tense little fists. A soft, anxious whine vibrated against her skin.

Zareya held her tighter. "It's okay, baby. Mama's here. We'll only do it if you're ready."

Dr. Harrison softened. "It's only to learn what she needs. Not a test she can fail."

Zareya nodded. She knew that, logically. But Sienna didn't know that yet. Sienna only understood feelings, safety, fear, comfort, overwhelm. And she felt all of them deeply.

"I think we can try," Zareya said finally. "We'll go slow."

---

The family room was larger than Sienna's hospital room, too large by her standards. It had a small kitchenette, a soft double bed, a couch, and dimmable lights, all meant to mimic a home environment.

But the moment they stepped inside, Sienna stiffened.

Her eyes darted everywhere, corners, shadows, windows, lights. Too new. Too open. Too different.

She clung to Zareya harder than she had all week.

"It's okay, baby," Zareya whispered, bouncing her gently. "Just a room. Just a sleep. Mama's here."

Laila placed the overnight bag on the table, speaking softly. "We brought her favourite things, elephant, pacifier, her blanket, the communication binder. Everything she uses to regulate."

But Sienna wasn't ready to look at any of it. She pressed her forehead into Zareya's collarbone, breathing fast and shallow.

Zareya guided them toward the bed, sitting down slowly. Sienna climbed immediately onto her lap, curling into a tight ball of fear.

Charlotte crouched a few feet away, her voice calm. "This is exactly what we expect. It's a big change for her. Take as long as she needs."

Sienna whimpered.

Zareya kissed her temple. "You're safe. Mama's not going anywhere."

---

For nearly an hour, Sienna refused to move off of Zareya's lap. Anytime a light flickered or the air conditioner clicked, she flinched. The new smells, new textures, new layout, everything pulled her senses in too many directions.