I pull up in front of the hospital. I know it is a big risk I am taking, but it has to be done.
They would ask for my identification and her birth certificate. Yet, this option is better than inviting a paediatrician to my home. My personal doctor only deals with gunshot wounds and battle wounds. He would have no idea how to handle the little girl.
I step out of the car and hold the door open for them.
I see Arya slip a stone into her purse.
I say nothing.
We enter the air-conditioned building and navigate our way to book an appointment. As expected, the nurse asks for my identification and the child's certificate of birth.
My wife suddenly steps forward and whispers non- english phrases at the nurse. Her eyes are glowing, I notice. I quickly glance around to see if anyone else has noticed the exchange. Everyone is busy doing whatever it is they are doing.
The nurse nods and picks up a pen. She looks hypnotized. She fills out a form and gives Arya an admission card.
Arya thanks her and turns to me. I look at the nurse, she is smiling.
I turn back to Arya.
She holds the little girl's hand and leads her to the doctor's office.
The doctor is a short, blonde with frog eyes and thin lips. If I were to be a normal child, I will be scared of her.
The doctor came forward to take the girl's hand.
"Hello, there. I'm Dr. Grace Ankai. What's your name?" She asks in a shrill voice.
Even though the woman is trying to be nice, I feel like she is scaring the girl.
Her big busts are even more visible as she bends down.
"Clara". The girl says.
"What a beautiful name! Are these your parents?" The Doctor asks.
I gulp. I distract myself by staring at the hem of the doctor's lab coat. The girl could give us away.
"Yes". The girl replies quietly.
In that moment, I knew I would have to adopt her. At least, I would not be alone when Arya leaves.
The doctor beams a smile at her and leads her to a consulting table.
"I see in her file that she has been raped". The doctors says quietly to us after giving Clara a lollipop.
I look at Arya.
"Yes, thieves broke into our house and did it to her". Arya says and starts to cry.
The doctor pats her back softly.
"I'm so sorry to hear that. I can only imagine how you must feel". The doctor says.
Arya nods amidst her tears.
"It's best not to cry in front of the little girl. She is being very brave. You would only scare her". The doctor says.
Arya just nods again.
I marvel at her acting. In all the years I have known her, I have never seen her cry. This, obviously does not count, because the tears are fake.
We settle down as the doctor goes to attend to Clara.
"Did you have to use your power in a fucking hospital? What if you were seen by someone?" I ask.
"Relax, Karim. I was not seen. It was either that or we risk going to jail for illegal child custody". She replies.
"What did you even say to her?" I ask, curious.
"It was a charm. It makes souls, whether living or dead, to obey the command of your voice". She says.
"So that was your plan all along. That's why you put a stone in your purse". I sum up.
"I'm glad you are finally catching up". She teases.
We remain silent for a while.
I wonder what is going on behind the curtain.
"I want to adopt her". I say quietly.
She does not respond and I just assume that she has zoned out again.
"I thought you despise children?" She asks, startling me.
"I did. I mean, I still do. But, there is something different about her. I can train her". I say, envisioning her taking over my legacy.
They finally finish the examination and the doctor slides the curtain open. The girl is pulling down her dress and sliding down from the table with little help from the doctor.
She goes to Arya's side. I watch them for a moment before turning my attention to the doctor.
The doctor shakes her head.
"It is bad. Very bad. Does she complain of pain?". The doctor asks.
"Only when I try to bathe her". Arya responds.
"Let me write you up some medication that can help with the pain and make her heal up faster". The doctor says and starts scribbling things down on her notepad.
When she is done, she tears it off and handa it to me. I look down at it. There are like ten things in there. Most of them are vaginal creams.
I quickly hand the paper to Arya. Between the two of us,no one has the slightest idea on what to do about the drug list.
"I expect her to come back in two weeks time for another check up". The doctor instructs.
One check up is enough for me.
"Thank you so much". I say and shake hands with the doctor.
She grips my hand tighter than expected and refuses to let go.
She leans forward so that her ample bosom is in full view.
I force myself to smile at her as I try to jerk my hand out of her grip.
"I will need my hand back now". I say calmly.
She finally releases my hand.
I nod at her and turn to leave. Arya is just standing there with a very deadly look in her eyes.
" C'mon, let's go". I say to her.
She does not move. She doesn't even act like she has heard me.
I tap her shoulder. This is a very bad time for her to be zoning out.
I look back at the doctor, blood is coming out of her nose.
She quickly wipes her nose with a confused expression.
Then, Arya turns on her heels and leaves with the little girl.
What the heck was that?