Page 12 of Demon

“Oh no, you’re not,” Axle says. “I want to knoweverything.”

I slowly raise my brow at his adorable little command.

He clears his throat. “You’re going to fill us in soon, though, right?”

“She was my sister’s nurse—nothing else,” I reply in a bored tone.

“You got those details?” I ask Twitch because I want Ivy’s personal information... like yesterday.

Twitch bops his head. “I’ll send it in a message.”

“Mmm... Now?”

“Uh... sure.” Then he leaves, going in the direction of the computer room.

I put my phone in my pocket and leave. When I get to my bike, my phone beeps. I pull it out to see an address, followed by a lengthy message, which I’m sure is all about Ivy. I hop on my bike and rev the engine, enjoying the prick of electricity that rockets through my blood.

SIX

IVY – I’M GAME IF YOU ARE

Ivy

Sammy has had a big week,and it was a struggle to get her up this morning. I made her lunch, carried her to childcare, and she stayed asleep in my arms the whole way there. The mom guilt squeezes my heart, twisting my stomach into knots. I love my daughter more than anything, and I wish I could spend all day with her. But we need the money, and I do love my job—helping others makes it worthwhile.

After stowing my bag in my locker, I head to the ICU ward. I finish my rounds quickly, but my thoughts keep drifting to Sammy. Needing reassurance, I find an empty room, pull out my phone, and make the call.

“Hi, Sandra. It’s Ivy. Just checking in—how’s Sammy doing this morning?”

“She slept for another thirty minutes after you left,” Sandra says. “She was a little disoriented when she woke up, but as soon as she realized where she was, she settled down.”

I exhale, relief spreading through me.

“We’ve been working on the alphabet this morning. Right now, she’s on the trampoline with another little girl, Nat. They’ve become fast friends. Would you like to talk to Sammy?”

I smile. Sammy’s made a friend. “No, that’s okay. I’d rather not interrupt her fun.”

“You’re welcome to call anytime,” Sandra says warmly.

My heart is full. Sandra has been a godsend, and I can tell Sammy has taken a real liking to her.

“Sammy’s an absolute pleasure to have here. Have a great day at work, and we’ll see you this evening.”

“You too, Sandra. Bye.”

I pocket my phone, already feeling lighter. When I get back to the front desk, my boss is focused on the computer. “Hey, can I ask a quick question?”

She glances up. “Sure.”

“Do you know where I can find a good toy store? I’m starting to think about Christmas gifts for Sammy.”

She smiles. “There’s a store downstairs near the cafeteria, or there’s a larger toy store in the main street in town. The one downstairs is primarily for buying gifts for people who are ill, but it has quite a number of stuffed animals and a few toys in there as well.”

“Perfect. Thanks! I’ll check the one downstairs during my break.”

The rest of the morning flies by. A pang of sadness hits my chest when I wish Madeline and Jett were still in the ward—I might drop in on them later. At lunchtime I quickly finish my sandwich before heading to the cafeteria for much-needed coffee.

After having my coffee, I visit the gift store, and in the window is a giant pink unicorn with a multicolored mane and tail and a gold horn. My heart could burst from happiness as I imagine the smile on Sammy’s face if she got this for Christmas. I step inside and head straight to the unicorn. I run my hand over its soft plush coat. I open the price tag to see it’s priced at $150. I let out an audible gasp. My head drops and my shoulders sag as I wonder how I’m going to afford it.

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