“We’re leaving right now,” he said quickly. “Come on.”
“Is she sleeping, Dad?” Ethan asked quietly.
Thomas forced himself to stay calm.
“No. But she’s going to be okay. Let’s go.”
They rushed to the car.
Thomas turned on the emergency lights and sped toward the hospital.
While driving, he called Emily again.
Still voicemail.
From the back seat Ethan asked softly,
“Is Mom mad at us?”
Thomas gripped the steering wheel tighter.
“No, buddy. Your mom just… isn’t okay right now. But I’m here. I promise I’ll take care of you both.”
When Thomas burst into the Children’s Emergency Department, nurses rushed toward him.
“How old is she?” one asked, bringing a stretcher.
“Three. She hasn’t eaten properly for days. High fever. She was unconscious when I found her.”
“Let’s stabilize her. Please wait here.”
Doctors quickly carried Lily into pediatric emergency care.
Ethan clung silently to his father’s leg.
Thomas crouched and hugged him tightly.
“They’re going to help her. She’ll be okay.”
“She’s not going to die… right?”
“No,” Thomas whispered firmly. “I promise.”
While doctors treated Lily, Thomas spoke with hospital staff and a social worker.
Within thirty minutes, several people were asking him questions.