H.
Hospital.
She followed it.
Then another.
And another.
Until automatic glass doors opened in front of a six-year-old pushing two newborn babies inside a wheelbarrow.
Emily remained unconscious that first night.
Lucy refused to leave the hospital.
Social workers arranged everything necessary to keep her safe.
Angela’s shift ended at seven.
She stayed until nearly midnight.
“Why are you still here?” another nurse asked.
Angela looked toward Lucy.
“Because she keeps checking whether everyone else is leaving.”
So Angela stayed.
At 1:12 the following afternoon, Emily opened her eyes.
Her first word was:
“Lucy.”
A nurse immediately found the girl.
Lucy entered cautiously.
Her mother looked weak beneath the hospital blankets.
For several seconds, Lucy simply stared.
Then Emily opened her arms.
Lucy ran.
“Mommy!”
Emily held her daughter and cried.
“I’m sorry.”
“You were sleeping.”
“I know.”
“I couldn’t wake you.”
“I know, baby.”
Lucy pulled away.
