After breakfast, the group divided into two cars and headed to the hospital. Galen had already reserved a room, and a nurse escorted them in, helping them settle and complete the admission process. Later, Dr. Connor stopped by to check on them. “You’ll need to undergo some tests over the next couple of days, along with preparations for the surgery. Get familiar with the hospital surroundings, ensure you get plenty of rest, and if there are any dietary or lifestyle adjustments needed, let’s get those sorted.” “Understood.”
A dedicated nurse guided Jenna and Galen through a series of tests around the medical building. Some of the tests were quite uncomfortable. Galen, even as an adult, struggled, and Jenna found it even harder. Each test was a trial for her. “Mr. Gilbert.”
Jenna, teary-eyed, lay against Gilbert’s shoulder. “Is it not over yet? Jenna feels really bad.”
Throughout today’s tests, Gilbert carried her, not wanting his daughter to walk a single step. Seeing his daughter in discomfort was already hard on him. And hearing her cry? Even worse.
“Jenna, sweetheart.” Gilbert hugged his daughter, feeling a sharp pain from the core of his heart to the tips of his fingers.
“This is the last one. After these tests, we can proceed with the surgery, and then we’ll be all better, a healthy girl again.”
“Really?”
Jenna looked up at Sherilyn questioningly. Though she adored Gilbert, deep down, her mom remained her most trusted and reliable person. “Mommy, is that true?”
Suddenly, Sherilyn’s eyes welled up, and she gently stroked her daughter’s head. “Yes, sweetheart, Jenna is brave. Just finish the tests, okay?” “Okay.”
Jenna pursed her lips, nodded, and stopped her sobbing.
“Mr. Martin, Mr. Johnson, we can proceed to the next one…”
The accompanying nurse came over to notify them.
“Alright.”
Gilbert stood up with Jenna in his arms and noticed she had quieted down. Concerned, he asked, “Jenna, why so silent? Are you scared?” “Not scared, not scared.”
Jenna shook her head repeatedly, rubbing her cheek against his shoulder. “Jenna is not afraid… Jenna is not afraid anymore, mommy is not afraid!” Gilbert was taken aback, a surge of emotion flooding his eyes. He fought hard to contain it, his voice strained, “Jenna knows mommy is scared?” “Knows.”
Jenna nodded Such a little person, perhaps not fully understanding what she was saying. In bits and pieces, she said, “When Jenna is
sick, sleeping… heard mommynet
crying… Mommy said, don’t leave her alone… Mommy said, she
couldn’t be without Jenna.
In that instant, Gilbert’s heart clenched painfully, the darkness threatening to envelop him.
“Mr. Gilbert.”
Jenna’s voice was soft. Her young life, touched by illness and single parenthood, had made her exceptionally perceptive. “Jenna won’t leave mommy, Jenna will be okay, right?”
“Yes.”
Gilbert’s voice was choked, as he gently patted Jenna’s back. “Jenna will be okay, and will be with mommy for a long, long time.” “Mmhmm.”
Jenna beamed, her trust in Mr. Gilbert’s words complete. “Then Jenna is relieved.”
After a long day, by seven o’clock, Jenna had fallen asleep. Sophia, having finished her dinner, came to relieve him. “Mr. Johnson, go grab something to eat, I’ll stay with her.”
“Alright.”
Gilbert nodded, standing up to leave. He and Sherilyn had agreed; from now until Jenna’s surgery and discharge, he wanted to be there in the hospital, by Jenna’s side. Jenna’s wellbeing was their top priority, and Sherilyn had consented. Fortunately, Galen had booked a suite, spacious enough for them all.
In the dining area, Sherilyn, who had just finished eating, ran into him.