Page 48 of Cowboy
Looking down at her sleeping face, I'm struck by how vulnerable she looks. The fierce, independent woman I remember is still there, but she's buried beneath layers of pain and trauma. I silently vow to do whatever it takes to help her find herself again, to help her heal.
As I drift off to sleep myself, my mind is already racing with plans. We need to make sure Caoimhe and Saoirse get the help they need, both physically and emotionally. And we need to track down every last person involved in their kidnapping and abuse.
But those are concerns for tomorrow. For now, I take comfort in the fact that Caoimhe is here, safe in my arms. It's not much, but it's a start. And for tonight, it's enough.
16
CAOIMHE
I sit nervously in the hospital waiting room, Saoirse's small hand clasped tightly in mine. The sterile smell and harsh fluorescent lights are making me anxious, bringing back memories of being passed around in Mr. Blackwood’s house. But Ciarán insisted I needed to be checked out thoroughly, and deep down I know he's right.
"It's okay," Saoirse whispers, squeezing my hand. "Ciarán said the doctors here are nice."
I give her a small smile, loving her strength. "You're right, sweetheart. It'll be fine."
Just then, a nurse appears. "Caoimhe? We're ready for you now."
I stand on shaky legs, Saoirse rising with me. "Can she come with me?" I ask, not wanting to be separated from her.
The nurse hesitates, then nods. "Of course. Right this way."
As we follow her down the hallway, I can't help but scan every corner, every doorway. Old habits die hard. The nurse leads us into an examination room, where a kind-looking female doctor is waiting.
"Hello Caoimhe, I'm Dr. Mulroy," she says warmly. "And who's this little one?"
"This is Saoirse," I reply, my arm protectively around the girl's shoulders.
Dr. Mulroy smiles at Saoirse. "It's nice to meet you, Saoirse. Is it okay if I talk to Caoimhe for a bit?"
Saoirse nods, moving to sit in a chair in the corner of the room. I settle onto the exam table, my heart racing.
"Alright, Caoimhe," Dr. Mulroy says gently. "I understand you've been through a very difficult time. We're going to do a full workup today to make sure you're healthy. Is that okay?"
I nod, swallowing hard. "Yes. That's... that's fine."
As Dr. Mulroy begins the examination, asking questions and taking notes, I try to focus on Saoirse's presence, on the safety of this moment. But as the doctor's questions delve deeper into my time in captivity, I feel myself starting to shake.
"Caoimhe?" Dr. Mulroy's voice breaks through my rising panic. "We can take a break if you need to."
I shake my head, determined to get through this. "No, I'm okay. Let's continue."
The examination seems to last forever. Blood tests, scans, more questions. By the end, I'm exhausted, both physically and emotionally. But there's also a small sense of relief. Whatever the results, at least now I'll know.
As we wait for Dr. Mulroy to return with the preliminary results, Saoirse climbs onto the exam table with me, curling into my side. I wrap my arm around her, drawing comfort from her presence.
Finally, Dr. Mulroy returns, a folder in her hands. She sits down, her expression serious but kind.
"Caoimhe, I have your initial results," she says gently. "First, I want you to know that you're incredibly strong. What you've been through... it's remarkable that you're here, that you've survived."
I nod, bracing myself for what's to come. "Just tell me, please."
Dr. Mulroy takes a deep breath. "You're suffering from severe malnutrition and anemia. Your body has been under extreme stress for a prolonged period, which has affected several of your organs. We'll need to start you on a specialized diet and vitamin regimen immediately."
I absorb this information, feeling Saoirse's small hand slip into mine. "Is... is there anything else?"
The doctor's expression softens. "Caoimhe, I'm so sorry, but there are signs of significant internal scarring. It's likely a result of the... abuse you endured. This scarring, combined with the malnutrition, means that... well, it may be very difficult for you to conceive children in the future."
The words hit me like a physical blow. I've never really thought about having children before, but to have that choice taken away from me... it's devastating in a way I didn't expect.
