Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 36

Chapter 36

She sat by Emily's bedside, sinking in a storm of thoughts about the hospital, then felt a little squeeze on her hand. She looked down; a small, fragile smile appeared as sleepy eyes opened.

"Mom, where am I?" The voice was soft, confused, from Emily.

Emma gave a reassuring smile and brushed a hand over Emily's hair. "You're at the hospital, sweetheart. How do you feel?"

"Mais. I was at school," Emily murmured, her face scrunched up in confusion. Emma's heart ached with her innocence. She swallowed hard, fighting back the tears threatening to spill. "Yes, you were, baby: But you needed just a little check-up, so I brought you here while you were sleeping" Emily pouted, looking around the sterile hospital room. "But I hate hospitals."

Emma let out a soft laugh; she wanted to lighten the mood. "I know, I hate hospitals too. We both do-that's something we

have in common."

"Where's Ethan?" Emily asked, her voice barely above a whisper

"He's at home, safe and sound," Emma replied, squeezing her daughter's hand to give her comfort.

"Mom.

heart broke, but she forced a smile, trying to be soothingly soft and firm at once. "No, baby, no one is dying. We're just here for a

I was in class. I remember Mrs. Parker was teaching

know, sweetheart. Everything is going to be fine, Emma whispered back, her voice full of

don't wanna die, Mommy, she whispered in that high-pitched voice as

a surge of fierce determination coursed through her. She reached

held Emily's gaze fast with hers-her eyes welling up with tears. "You will not die, Emily," she said, the full force of her emotion now making her tone

of her mind. The words from her daughter finally broke down the fragments of hesitation that she struggled to hold on to. She had sworn never to

far outweighed any perceived betrayal of the past. The determination solidified in Emma's mind. She needed to act now, no

daughter's life. The very thought of touching her foot again in Blackthorn soil sent a shiver down her spine, but nothing else counted except the health of

old life. Going by either Black or Moore would be like handing herself over on a silver platter. After some thinking, she settled on Smith as the last name and Carol for the first name. Common, ordinary, unmemorable-it was perfect. The name would let her

absolutely watertight. She signed the referral document for Emily's treatment at Blackthorn Hospital

17 toti.

mother watched the preparation in silence, her sorrow unspoken. She would miss Emma and her grandchildren so much, yet Mrs. Walker knew what lay in the balance. She hugged her daughter tightly, her eyes clouded with apprehension and love.

mother's worry yet strengthened by her support. "Thank you.

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