After finishing up the paperwork and getting settled into the hospital room, Elijah came in with the nurse to give Jenna a basic check-up. “Way to go!”
Elijah ruffled Jenna’s hair, giving her a big thumbs up in praise.
“Have we been taking our medicine like a champ, Jenna?”
“Yes!” Jenna nodded obediently, cuddling into Sherilyn’s embrace with a voice as sweet as a bell.
“Listening to Mommy, aren’t you?”
“Is Jenna being amazing?”
Elijah’s eyes crinkled with a smile as he pulled a magic wand from his pocket. “Guess what this is?”
“Wow!” Jenna’s eyes sparkled. “For me?”
“Yes,” Elijah chuckled, nodding. “But I can’t give it to you just yet. You have to be super cooperative during the check-up today if you want it.” The check-up included drawing blood and taking various scans.
For a three-year-old, it was no small feat.
“I will!” Jenna nodded confidently. “I’ll do really well!”
“Good girl!”
Elijah glanced at Sherilyn. “The nurse will be with you throughout. If Jenna feels unwell at any point, let me know right away.”
“Thank you so much.”
“Don’t mention it. It’s what I’m here for.”
Sherilyn picked up Jenna. “Off we go to get checked.”
It turned out to be a long morning.
Jenna, now devoid of her initial energy, leaned into her mother. Sherilyn felt a pang of heartache.
“Jenna, are you hungry? What do you want for lunch?”
Jenna hesitated, then said, “I want Mommy’s cheesy baked sweet potatoes.”
Though they could be bought from outside, and Sophia knew how to make them, Jenna only loved the ones Sherilyn made.
“Alright.” Sherilyn immediately nodded, agreeing.
“I’ll go home and make them for Jenna right away.”
She handed Jenna to Sophia. “Make sure to give Jenna water, little by little, more frequently.”
“Don’t worry.”
After ensuring everything was in order, Sherilyn rushed off to Sunset Ridge Community.
Sophia, holding Jenna, continued to wait outside the examination room.
“There’s one last check-up, Jenna. Hang in there; it’ll be over soon. Once we’re done, Mommy will bring your favorite cheesy baked sweet potatoes.”
“Okay.”
“Jenna!”
The nurse accompanying them for the check-up emerged. “We’re up. Let’s go.”
“Alright.”
After the final check-up, Jenna, feeling miserable, clung to Sophia.
“Sophia, Mommy… I want Mommy!”
Sophia’s eyes welled up with tears, unable
to hold them back. “Sweetie
y will be back soon. Oh, my baby.”
It seemed so unfair, this tiny person enduring so much.
“Jenna?”
Suddenly, a tall figure appeared before them – Gilbert.
He had come to visit Caroline, who discharged, and
was
by theent department
some medications.
He hadn’t expected to run into Jenna, the poor little thing looking so distressed.
Sophia looked up. “Sir?”
“Sir!” Jenna stretched her arms towards Gilbert, her eyes brimming with tears. “Hug!”
How could Gilbert refuse?
Even Sophia didn’t try to stop him.
It was clear Jenna liked this mister. Besides, with Sophia watching, it’s not like he could whisk Jenna away.
Maybe he could comfort Jenna for a bit. The little one deserved it.
“You’re such a brave girl, Jenna.”
Holding Jenna in one arm, Gilbert turned to Sophia. “What’s ailing Jenna?”