Page 79 of Secret Baby's Second Shot

“She’s fighting,” he said, his voice filled with quiet conviction.

“And so are we,” I said, sitting beside her and brushing a curl from her forehead. “Together.”

44

SUMMER

The steady rhythm of the monitors was both a comfort and a torment. I sat beside Ava’s hospital bed, clutching her tiny hand, willing her to show any sign of improvement. Enzo stood across from me, his arms crossed tightly, his face a mixture of exhaustion and determination. We were both waiting, hoping, but the uncertainty felt like a weight pressing on my chest.

“She’s stable,” he said for what felt like the hundredth time, his voice low but firm. “That’s something.”

“It’s not enough,” I whispered, brushing a stray curl away from Ava’s pale face. “I need more than stable, Enzo. I need her to open her eyes, to smile, to tell me Bunny needs another bow tie.”

He didn’t reply right away, his jaw tightening as he looked at Ava. “She’ll get there. She’s just not ready yet.”

I wanted to believe him, but the days of waiting and watching had chipped away at my hope. All I could do was hold onto her hand, my tears falling silently as I prayed for a miracle.

The hours passed slowly,the minutes blurring together in a haze of worry and exhaustion. Elaine and Richard stopped by to sit with Ava, their quiet presence offering a small measure of comfort.

“You two need to rest,” Elaine said softly, her hand resting on my shoulder. “Go grab something to eat. We’ll stay with her.”

“I can’t leave her,” I said automatically, my voice trembling.

“You can, and you should,” Elaine insisted, her tone gentle but firm. “She’s stable, and you need your strength. Enzo, take her to the cafeteria.”

Enzo gave me a small, tired smile. “You heard her, Summer. Let’s go.”

Reluctantly, I let him guide me out of the room, my heart heavy with the fear of leaving Ava, even for a moment.

The cafeteria was almost empty,the hum of the vending machines and the faint clatter of dishes filling the silence. Enzo handed me a tray, but I barely glanced at the food. My appetite had vanished days ago.

“You need to eat,” he said quietly, sitting across from me.

“I can’t,” I said, my voice hollow. “Not when she’s lying up there, fighting for her life.”

“You need to keep your strength up for her,” he said, his tone patient but firm. “She’s counting on us, Summer. Both of us.”

I picked at the sandwich in front of me, my hands shaking slightly. “What if she doesn’t make it?”

“She will,” he said, his dark eyes locking onto mine. “Ava is stronger than anyone I’ve ever met. And she’s got us fighting for her every step of the way.”

His conviction gave me a sliver of hope, but the knot in my chest refused to loosen. I looked away, blinking back tears. “I just want her to be okay, Enzo. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

“And she will be,” he said, his voice steady.

When we returnedto Ava’s room, something had changed. Enzo froze just inside the doorway, his sharp intake of breath drawing my attention.

“What is it?” I asked, panic flaring in my chest.

“Look,” he said, pointing to Ava’s hand.

I followed his gaze, my heart skipping a beat as I saw her fingers twitch slightly. “Oh my God,” I whispered, rushing to her bedside. “Ava? Baby, can you hear me?”

Her eyelids fluttered, her hand moving weakly against mine. My breath caught as I leaned closer, tears streaming down my face. “Ava, it’s Mommy. Can you squeeze my hand?”

For a moment, nothing happened. Then, slowly, her fingers curled around mine.

“She’s responding,” Enzo said, his voice thick with emotion. “She’s fighting.”

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