Chapter 9 - The Hospital Visit
The next afternoon, the winter sun broke through the gray clouds over Chicago, casting golden light through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Room 602 at St. Anthony’s Hospital.
Lena’s mother sat up in a soft motorized bed, wearing a clean blue cardigan, her color restored, breathing easily without the mechanical rattle that had haunted her chest for months.
Daniel sat on the windowsill, working on a brand-new digital tablet, his fingers flying across the screen as he built a complex 3D architecture model.
When Lena stepped into the room wearing a sharp beige wool coat and leather boots, Daniel dropped his tablet and ran to throw his arms around her waist.
"Lena!" his speech app voiced loudly from the speaker. "You look like a movie star!"
Lena laughed, hugging him tightly, kissing the top of his head before walking over to her mother’s bedside.
"How are you feeling, Mama?" Lena asked, taking her mother’s warm, soft hand.
"I feel like I woke up from a nightmare into a dream," her mother whispered, tears glistening in her eyes. "The doctors said all our bills are cleared. They said a foundation gave you a promotion?"
"It’s true, Mama," Lena said, pressing her mother's hand to her cheek. "We don't have to worry anymore. We're moving into a new home near the park next month. Daniel gets to go to the specialized private academy in the spring."
Her mother looked past Lena toward the doorway.
Victor Romano stood in the hallway, wearing a dark wool coat, holding a massive bouquet of yellow roses. He knocked gently on the door frame.
"May I come in?" Victor asked respectfully.
Lena’s mother smiled warmly. "Are you the gentleman who sent the doctors?"
"I am a friend of your daughter’s, Mrs. Hart," Victor said, stepping into the room and placing the flowers on the bedside table. "She saved my life. The least I could do was ensure her family was protected."
Daniel walked up to Victor, looking up at the tall man with quiet curiosity. He lifted his tablet and typed a quick sentence into his app.
The synthetic voice spoke clearly: Thank you for taking care of my sister.
Victor knelt down on one knee so he was at eye level with the young boy. He extended his hand for a firm handshake.
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"Your sister is the bravest person I've ever met, Daniel," Victor said seriously. "You should be very proud of her."
Daniel nodded proudly, shaking Victor’s hand.
