Chapter 43 - THE BAD NEWS
Three weeks later, Noah called.
Mara's recovery had suddenly become complicated.
An infection had developed.
She needed another procedure immediately.
Emma stood beside Lily in the hospital waiting room.
The little girl was coloring a picture of a house.
“Is Mommy coming home today?”
Emma forced a smile.
“Not today.”
“Tomorrow?”
“I hope so.”
Lily lowered her crayon.
“Are you scared?”
Emma hesitated.
“Yes.”
The little girl reached across the table and took her hand.
“It's okay.”
Emma stared at her.
“You think it's okay?”
Lily nodded.
“Mommy tells me being scared doesn't mean you can't be brave.”
Emma smiled through tears.
“Your mother is very wise.”
“Yes.”
Hours later, Noah finally emerged.
His face was exhausted.
Emma stood immediately.
He shook his head.
“The procedure went well.”
Emma's knees nearly gave out.
Lily ran toward Noah.
“Is Mommy okay?”
“She is fighting very hard.”
“Can I see her?”
Noah crouched.
“Soon.”
Lily nodded seriously.
“Then I'll wait.”
Emma watched the child return to her chair.
She realized something profound.
Courage wasn't always loud.
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Sometimes it was a six-year-old girl sitting in a hospital hallway and choosing to hope.
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