Page 26 of Emi's Hero

“Don’t worry,” Dr. Rhodes said. “Ms. Parkman briefed us on the need for confidentiality. We won’t share anything about this visit with anyone nor document your name in our computer system.”

“Thank you,” Emi said.

“I’m sure Emi’s tired,” Kalea said. “Let me show you to the guest suite on this floor. It has a sitting room and an ensuite bathroom.”

She led the way through the entrance, down a long hall and opened a door at the end.

“Do you want me to stay?” Kalea asked Emi.

Emi’s face was still burning, and she shook her head. “No, thank you.”

Kalea took her hands. “You’re safe now. I know Dr. Rhodes and Ava. They’re good people and only want what’s best for you. You can trust them to give you the care you need and to keep your secret.”

Emi’s eyes filled. She nodded, the lump in her throat making it impossible to speak. This woman and her fiancé had bent over backward to help her.

Dr. Rhodes stood aside and allowed Emi and Ava to enter first. Once the three were through the door, he closed it behind them, then turned to say, “This shouldn’t take long. We can do as much or as little as you like. We’re not here to make you uncomfortable but to make sure you’re okay.”

Emi’s body shook, and tears flowed down her cheeks. “Do everything you think I need. I want to know if he gave me any STDs. I need to be healthy for my child. What happened to me doesn’t matter. It’s over. My daughter is my life. My future.” More tears flowed. She lifted the hem of her T-shirt to wipe the moisture from her face. “I’m sorry. I haven’t cried like this in years.”

Nurse Ava looped her arm around Emi’s shoulders and guided her to a chair. “Sit before you fall.”

Dr. Rhodes followed, carrying his bag. “Emi, what happened to you matters.Youmatter.”

Ava patted Emi’s back, her touch gentle and caring. “You’ve experienced eight years of trauma. You’re allowed tears.”

Their kindness broke her. Emi sank into a cushioned chair and bent over, sobbing as quietly as she could into a throw pillow.

Dr. Rhodes and Nurse Ava removed items from the leather satchel, spreading them out on a table.

Nurse Ava helped Emi strip out of the oversized clothing and lie on the bed, covering her with a sheet.

Emi went to that place she’d gone so many times, where she stepped out of her body and let them do what needed to be done. She didn’t allow herself to feel or react to the poking and prodding.

The doctor and nurse examined her from head to toe, performed a pelvic exam and took blood, urine and tissue samples.

When they were done, Nurse Ava tucked Emi into the bed and pulled the sheets and comforter up to her chin. She smiled down at her. “I know that wasn’t easy. You’re a trooper for hanging in there.”

“I hate being so weak,” Emi said.

“Oh, honey.” Ava touched her arm. “You’re a survivor. Not many people could survive in the ocean overnight like you did. I think that’s pretty badass.”

“You’ve been through a lot,” the doctor said. “Your body needs time to recover.”

Emi shook her head. “I don’t have time. Sara doesn’t have time.”

The doctor’s lips pressed together. “If you don’t get some rest, your body will force you to get that rest. You’re fortunate to have landed with the Parkmans and the Brotherhood Protectors. Let them help you find your daughter. In the meantime, I’ll leave you with some vitamins and electrolytes. You’re dehydrated and need to refill your body’s moisture content. Drink the electrolytes, take the vitamins and, when you get the chance, go to a hospital and have them get images of your internal organs and bones.”

“I will,” Emi said. “Thank you both for being so kind and understanding.”

While the doctor packed his satchel. Nurse Ava handed Emi a little paper cup with pills and a bottle of water. “These are some vitamins that will help your body recover.”

Emi half-sat up in the bed, holding the sheet over her breasts. She took the tiny cup and tossed the pills to the back of her throat. Tipping the bottle, she swallowed the pills and drank half the liquid, remembering how thirsty she’d been floating in an ocean full of water.

Dr. Rhodes closed his bag and held out his hand for her to shake. His fingers curled around hers, warm and gentle. “We’ll get your results back from the samples we took and let you know if you need additional follow-up besides the images. I hope you get your daughter back soon.”

Emi nodded, her throat tightening. “Thank you.”

“You’re amazing and strong, Ms. Emi,” Nurse Ava said. “A true survivor.” She leaned in and gave Emi a hug. “Good luck.”

---