Chapter 6 - The Hospital Reunion
The heavy double doors of the pediatric ward at Chicago General Hospital swung open.
Sarah ran down the polished hallway, her tears blinding her vision. Ethan walked right behind her, keeping the hospital staff at bay with a gentle wave of his hand.
In Room 304, Sofie was sitting on the edge of the bed, holding a plastic toy telephone, while a nurse fed Noah a bottle of warm infant formula.
“Sofie!” Sarah choked out.
Sofie dropped the toy. Her large brown eyes locked onto her mother. For two seconds, the three-year-old girl sat frozen, unable to process that the woman she had prayed for had finally returned.
“Mommy!” Sofie shrieked.
Sarah dropped to her knees on the floor, opening her arms wide. Sofie scrambled off the high hospital bed and threw her small body into her mother’s chest with such force that they both tumbled back against the soft rug.
“Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!” Sofie cried hysterically, wrapping her arms around Sarah’s neck, burying her face into her mother’s collarbone. “I kept Noah safe, Mommy! I didn't let the cold touch him! I found the milk!”
“I know, my sweet angel! I know!” Sarah wept, kissing Sofie’s pigtails, her cheeks, her small hands, weeping so hard her whole body shook. “You saved him, Sofie! You saved our family! Mommy is so sorry... Mommy will never leave you again!”
Ethan stood in the doorway, resting his shoulder against the frame. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped a rogue tear from his own eye, a profound warmth filling his chest that he hadn't felt in twelve years on the force.
Sarah gathered Sofie into her arms, stood up, and walked over to Noah’s crib. She picked up her baby boy, holding both of her children tightly against her chest, rocking them back and forth in the warm sunlight pouring through the hospital window.
Sofie looked over her mother’s shoulder and pointed her small finger at Ethan.
“Mommy,” Sofie whispered softly. “That’s Officer Ethan. He didn't let the mean lady take Noah.”
Sarah turned around, looking at Ethan with tears streaming down her face. She walked over and rested her head gently against his shoulder.
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“Thank you,” Sarah whispered from the depths of her soul. “You saved my babies when the world turned its back on us.”
“No, Sarah,” Ethan said, smiling softly as he touched Sofie’s small pigtail. “Sofie saved them. I just made sure she had a ride home.”
