Page 45 of Riot

“Is she okay?” I ask before he can say a word.

The doctor guides us to reclaim our seats. I’d prefer to stand, but I sink into the chair again.

“Your daughter has quite a severe ear infection,” he says gently. “I’ve started IV antibiotics and a medication that will bring down her fever, but I’d like to keep her in the hospital for at least the next twenty-four hours to monitor her. Then we can assess the next steps.”

“She was screamin’ like her insides were bein’ torched.” Riot sounds sceptical, and I can’t blame him for that.

“I know it was incredibly scary, but I can assure you she was just letting you know there was something uncomfortable going on with her.”

I ask the only question I need an answer to. “So, she’s going to be okay?”

He nods. “She’ll be fine once the treatment has run its course. We’ll keep her comfortable, and I’ll be back down in a couple of hours to check on her progress.”

Oh, fuck. I lock my knees to stop them from buckling. “Thank you, doctor. For everything. Can I see her?”

“Of course. There’re some tubes coming from Seren that are delivering the medications she needs, and some wires that are monitoring her heart and other things, but they’re nothing to worry about.”

He gestures to the door, and I don’t wait to push into the room.

I barely notice the machines on either side of the cot as I lock eyes on the small figure lying on the starched sheets.

They’ve stripped her down to her nappy, and I have the urge to cover her, even though her skin is clammy.

My feet falter before I force them to move again, going to her side.

The overwhelming need to wake her so I can see her beautiful eyes almost has me reaching towards her, but I don’t know where I’m allowed to touch her.

“It’s okay,” a voice says. “You won’t disturb her.”

I turn to see a nurse standing at a tall table, writing notes. I didn’t realise she was here.

“Is she in any pain?” I swallow the lump in my throat. I can’t bear knowing she’s suffering.

“The doctor gave her some pretty strong medication. She should sleep for a while now.”

I lick my dry lips, my tongue glued to the roof of my mouth as I gently brush my fingers over her head.

The beeping of machinery around us is an irritating symphony I wish I could block out so I can listen to her soft breaths. I place my hand on her chest and count every rise and fall her little body makes.

She’s okay.

My fingers trail up to her face, running over her hair. Seren looks so small in the hospital cot, so breakable.

“Don’t ever scare me like that again,” I whisper to her.

Maylie leans against my back, wrapping her arms around me, her small but noticeable bump pressing against my spine. I allow myself to relax just a fraction.

“How did you do this?”

“Do what?” my sister asks.

“Be a parent to me and Toby. Every minute of the day, it feels like my heart is in my throat, and that was before this happened. I don’t think I’m ever going to sleep again.”

She sighs, resting her chin on my shoulder. “That feeling never goes away, but you learn to block it out. Mostly.”

I struggle to keep control of my tumbling emotions. “I don’t know if all those times I told you I was sorry, I truly understood what I was sorry for. I put you through so much, made you worry endlessly about me. I get it now and, Maylie, I am so sorry for everything.”

Her arms tighten around my waist. “I never blamed you for a second, not even when I wanted to throttle you.” I hear the smile in her words, the light teasing. “I mean, there were plenty of times I wanted to wrap my fingers around your neck. Even now, there are times I want to do that, but that’s just sister stuff. You and Toby are my life, Ivy.”

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