Page 9 of Perfect Imperfections

So why did the slight ache in his chest say it did?

“Charlotte’s vitals are good. Her lungs sound clear. We can take her in for a scan if you want, but—”

“It’s fine, Jay.” He trusted team JJ, as they were called around the hospital. Plus, he was one of the top specialists in internal medicine in Sunlight. He knew what symptoms to look for. He knew how to care for his daughter better than anyone. “I’ll keep a close eye on her tonight.”

The EMTs nodded, passing off a clipboard to Ms. Hughes to sign before heading out. With a heavy sigh, Ms. Hughes turned to speak to him and Ellie.

“The news crews are going to want to do some interviews. Dr. Green, I understand if you would rather not. I’m sure you want to get your daughter home and changed—”

“I get to be on TV?” Charlotte squealed with glee.

As much as he agreed with Ms. Hughes, there’d be no avoiding the cameras now. Charlotte’s big green eyes were staring at the cameras across the way with avid interest. Though he’d prefer avoiding the whole circus, he knew his daughter wanted the thrill of “being famous” even if it was only the local channels. And he could deny her nothing. Not today. Little stinker knew it too. He’d bet his medical degree she’d be asking for ice cream for dinner. He made a mental note to stop at the store on the way home for some mint chocolate chip.

“Do you want to talk to the camera people, Charlotte?”

“Yes, yes, yes!”

She bounced up and down in his arms, soaking his dress shirt and slacks, but he didn’t care. He’d ruin every item of clothing he had just to make sure she never knew fear like today ever again.

Wishful thinking, man. You know how life goes. You can’t protect the ones you love from pain.

No, but he could do his best.

“Ellie, they want to interview you, too.”

Ellie’s face paled at her boss’s words. So, she didn’t like doctors or reporters. Interesting.

“Um, can’t Cam do it? She usually does all the news interviews.”

The director nodded. “True, but this isn’t a promotion for the zoo. They want to talk to the hero of the hour.”

Now the woman shifted uncomfortably on her feet, gaze falling to the ground. “I’m not a hero.”

He begged to differ. “You’re our hero, Ellie. Mine and Charlotte’s.”

Her eyes snapped up at his words, gaze colliding with his. Did she not see what an amazing thing she did? Could she not realize she’d just saved his entire world with her actions?

“You’re like a real-life superhero,” Charlotte exclaimed. “Like Wonder Woman!”

“Wow,” Ellie smiled at his daughter. Damn, the woman had a beautiful smile. “I think that’s the best compliment I’ve ever received.”

“If you’re all in agreement, I can take everyone over to the staging area.” Ms. Hughes motioned to where the news crews were setting up outside the enclosure. “Best to get started right away so you can all go home and, um, wash the delightful smell of the day from you.”

Charlotte wrinkled her nose. “I smell like yucky poop.”

He laughed along with the two women. “I think you smell perfect, Angel.”

His daughter glanced at him like he was out of his mind, and he was. Out of his mind with happiness that she was okay.

They followed the zoo director back through the aviary building and into the sunshine of the outside once again. As they walked, the director explained what had happened and how his daughter fell into the penguin pool. His anger rose at the mention of the boys teasing Charlotte. He knew his daughter had been having some trouble with a few bullies at school, but he had no idea it had gotten this bad. The principal would get a visit from him very soon. He knew kids could be mean, but this was taking things too far. Something had to be done. He’d see to it.

Ms. Hughes set them up behind a podium that someone had placed in a shady area underneath a large tree. The penguin enclosure framed perfectly behind them. Ms. Hughes introduced herself, Ellie, Charlotte, and him, and the questions began.

“Ms. Hughes, Dan Stevens, channel four. Can you tell us what happened?”

The director explained in sparse detail how the incident occurred, framing it as visitor error and not a lax in zoo security. Sullivan was fine with that since that’s exactly how the situation played out. After hearing all the details, he knew the zoo was not at fault. Though he hadn’t spoken to the director about it yet, he had no intention of holding the zoo responsible. The fault lay with the bullies' and chaperone's supervision.

The interviews continued. They asked him about his take on the events.

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