Chapter 2 – Morning at the Hospital
The first light of dawn filtered softly through the hospital blinds, casting a gentle glow across the room. Sarah Benson stirred awake, her head still resting lightly on the edge of Tommy's bed. She had stayed there all night, holding his tiny hand, watching his chest rise and fall, whispering encouragements even as sleep tugged at her.
Her eyes fluttered open when she felt a small hand tug at hers. "Mommy… Mommy?" Tommy's soft voice broke through the quiet.
Sarah's heart leapt. "Tommy! Hey, baby, you're awake!" She quickly pushed herself into a sitting position, smoothing the ruffled hair from his forehead. "It's okay, sweetheart. You're in the hospital, but I'm right here. Everything will be fine. Nothing bad is going to happen. I'm here to take care of you."
Tommy's eyes were still sleepy, blinking up at her. "Okay… Mommy," he murmured, clutching her hand weakly. Then, after a pause, his stomach rumbled, and he added, "I'm… hungry."
Sarah smiled softly, though her heart still felt heavy. Even in the middle of this nightmare, he still had his little boy needs. "Of course, baby. I'll get you something to eat and some water." She stood, smoothing down her wrinkled clothes, and gently kissed his forehead. "Just wait right here, okay? Mommy will be back very soon."
Tommy nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips despite his weakness. "Okay, Mommy."
The hospital cafeteria was quiet that early in the morning, mostly just staff and a few visitors. Sarah carried a tray, balancing it carefully with juice, bread, and some fruit, making sure everything was safe for Tommy. She was walking down the corridor when she accidentally bumped into someone, nearly knocking over a stack of papers the person was carrying.
"Oh! I'm so sorry," she said immediately, bending down to help. "Here, let me help you with these."
The person was wearing a white doctor's coat, hands quickly moving to gather the scattered files. "Thank you," the doctor said, calm and collected, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
As Sarah handed him the last papers, something tugged at her memory. He looked… familiar. She couldn't place it — not his face, not his voice, but there was something about him that made her pause. Maybe it was the way he moved, the gentle way he handled the papers. But he was wearing a full coat and mask, so she couldn't see much of him.
"I… I feel like I know you from somewhere," she said softly, almost to herself, shaking her head. "I'm sorry, I don't know why I feel that. It must be my imagination."
The doctor looked at her with a polite smile. "No worries. Have a good day." And with that, he turned and walked away, disappearing down the corridor before Sarah could think to ask anything more.
Shaking off the feeling of familiarity, Sarah focused on Tommy. She carried the tray carefully back to his room, her hands trembling slightly with the weight of responsibility and fear. Entering the room, she found him sitting up in bed, eyes brightening when he saw her.
"Mommy!" he said weakly, reaching out.
"Here you go, baby," she said, setting the tray down gently on the bedside table. "I got you something to eat. Some juice too. Take it slow, okay?"
Tommy nodded eagerly, his small hands reaching for the bread. "Thank you, Mommy."
Sarah watched him eat, her heart clenching and relaxing in waves. Every bite he took, every sip he drank, reminded her why she had to be strong. This little boy depended on her. She couldn't falter. She couldn't let fear or despair overtake her. She had to be the strength he needed, no matter how scared she was on the inside.
She settled into the chair beside the bed, letting him eat in peace, though her mind was already running through the day ahead. Doctors, treatments, medication schedules, phone calls… it all felt overwhelming, but she pushed those thoughts aside. Right now, Tommy needed her, and that was all that mattered.
After he finished eating, she helped him drink some water and tucked him back under the blankets, smoothing his hair and pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. "Rest now, baby," she whispered. "Mommy's right here. I'm not going anywhere."
Tommy yawned and snuggled closer, mumbling, "Okay… Mommy." His small hand found hers again, holding it tightly.
Sarah stayed for a while longer, just watching him breathe, feeling the soft rise and fall of his chest. Her heart ached with love, fear, and determination all at once. She had no choice but to face this nightmare head-on — for him, and for herself.
Even as she sat there, she couldn't shake the faint image of the doctor in the corridor. There was something about him… something she couldn't place. But for now, there was no time to dwell on it. Tommy needed her full attention, and she promised herself she would be everything he needed, no matter what it took.