Sweet Moana

Chapter 2 ✔️

 The hospital bed was stiff, the sheets scratchy, and every beep from the monitor made my skin crawl. I stared up at the ceiling, watching the light flicker like it couldn't decide whether to stay on or off.

My head throbbed, and my chest felt hollow. I wanted to cry, but I couldn't. I was all cried out. I heard soft voices near the door. A woman's voice—firm, but kind. Then a man, quieter, more cautious. They didn't know I was awake yet.

"She's been through a lot," the woman was saying. "Please don't overwhelm her."

"We understand," said the man. "We just want to help."

I shifted slightly, and the paper-thin hospital gown rustled.

Kimberly turned and walked over to my bedside.

"You're awake," she said, gently brushing her hand over mine. "How are you feeling?"

I shrugged. "Tired. My head hurts."

She nodded. "That's normal. You fainted from shock. Your body needed the rest."

I looked past her to the strangers standing by the door. "Who are they?" I asked, my voice low.

Kimberly glanced back, then looked at me softly.

"Moana, this is Brittany and Thomas Welshire. They're a licensed foster family—and they've agreed to take you in."

Brittany stepped forward first. She had soft features and warm eyes, but I still didn't trust the smile she gave me.

"Hi, Moana. It's really nice to meet you," she said gently. "I know this probably feels scary... and maybe unfair." Thomas gave a small nod beside her. "We want you to feel safe. We're not here to replace your mom. Just... to help however we can."

I blinked at them, then turned to Kimberly.

"I didn't even get to say goodbye," I whispered. "Is that it? She's just... gone?"

Kimberly's eyes glistened. "There will be arrangements made for her, I promise. If you want, I can find a way for you to say goodbye. But right now, the most important thing is making sure you're taken care of."

I looked down at my hands. "You're just gonna put me with strangers?"

"I know it feels fast," she said softly. "But the Welshires have experience. You'll have your own room, your own space. You'll be treated with respect. No more yelling. No more hitting."

My throat tightened. "And what if I don't want to go with them?"

Kimberly hesitated. "Then we find another solution. But Moana... I think this could be a good step. You deserve peace. You deserve kindness."

I rolled my eyes at her. I didn't know what I deserved anymore.

Brittany stepped closer again, but not too close.

"I brought you some clothes," she said, holding up a small bag. "And a hairbrush. We can take things slow. You don't have to talk if you don't want to. We can just... drive and listen to music."

I stared at them. They weren't yelling. They weren't accusing me. No one looked at me like I was a problem.

It felt strange.

"Okay," I said quietly. "I'll go."

Kimberly squeezed my hand. "You're incredibly brave, Moana. More than you know."

I didn't feel brave. I felt broken. 

Brittany stepped forward again and held out the bag. "Take your time getting dressed. We'll be just outside."