•Push By Matchbox Twenty•

I woke up easily the next morning. Much easier than the past few days. I contributed this to the fact that a small bundle was curled carefully against my side, her small fingers resting lightly on my arm. I shifted slightly and blinked happily down at my little bundle of curls and sweetness. Charlotte's little face was smoothed out with sleep and her eyelids moved every now and then with dreams. I brushed back a strand of hair and smiled.

I was so thankful I got her out of there in time. My features hardened as renewed rage filled my system. I stilled my hand on her head. When I found myself able to breathe normally again, I glanced up, facing the warm brightness of the hospital room. I realized this was the first time I was able to truly feel comfortable since being here.

Closing my eyes, I ran my fingers lightly through my daughter's hair, ignoring the pain of my injuries and just allowing myself to be in this moment. A song I'd heard many times on the radio suddenly caught my mind, and without hesitation I started to sing.

In a world that's full of darkness you're my light

When everything gets heavy you're what keeps me steady

And when innocence is nowhere to be found

In you I find the cure, you're so good and pure

Everything that I love

Everything that is good

Everything that is right about me

I believe

You are the best thing in my life

So thankful that you're mine

When everything fades we'll be ok

I'll be saying

You are the one thing that I need

No matter what life brings

Through the highs and the lows

I want you to know

You're the best thing in my life

You're the best thing in my life

I can't help but wonder what I've done

To deserve someone like you

Dreams really come true

Everything that I love

Everything that is good

Everything that is right about me

I believe

You are the best thing in my life

So thankful that you're mine

When everything fades we'll be ok

I'll be saying

You are the one thing that I need

No matter what life brings

Through the highs and the lows

I want you to know

You're the best thing in my life

You're the best thing in my life

If I had the chance to live a 1000 lives

I'd choose you every time

You are the best thing in my life

So thankful that you're mine

I'll be singing

You are the one thing that I need

No matter what life brings

Through the highs and the lows

I want you to know

You're the best thing in my life

You're the best thing in my life

You're the best thing

You're the best thing

I want you to know

You're the best thing in my life

The last of the lyrics fell from my lips and a small smile filled my face. Charlotte sighed and snuggled closer. "Once we get out of here, we'll go home. And I promise we'll never leave again." I whispered, placing a gentle kiss to her head.

"You have an outstanding voice." The low words were spoken off to the side of me.

I didn't look up right away, having heard the door open when I was singing. When I did, I was met with cool brown eyes and shoulder-length dark brown hair. The woman was slender, and much younger than I ever would've pictured one of the best heart surgeons in the state to be.

"Thanks." I offered her a small smile.

She stepped forward and sat in the chair that Evelyn had vacated the day before. I frowned then, wondering where my storm cloud was exactly. The doctor, who's name tag said Daniels, watched me carefully.

"What is it you want from life, Ms. O'Brian?"

The question startled me a bit, but I found myself answering immediately anyways. "Happiness for my daughter."

The doctor smiled then, displaying rows of perfect white teeth. I was suddenly self-conscious of the fact that I hadn't brushed yet. "That is definitely a good thing to strive towards."

I narrowed my eyes at her, my suspicion growing. "Yes.." I drew out the s slightly, so she knew I was wondering what she was getting at.

"My name is Shaylyn Daniels. I am a cardiovascular surgeon. I took your case for one of two reasons. One, I find you very interesting. Two, you have an extraordinary heart."

My brows knit together as I faced the strange woman in front of me. "Um thanks?"

She laughed a little. "You're welcome. Forgive my awkward forwardness. It's something I hoped would go away with age, but obviously hasn't yet."

Her carefree light attitude was so different from the other doctors strict demeanors. I found myself liking her immediately. It felt good to talk about something other than how long I'd be stuck here or how many more tests they'd have to run.

"How old are you exactly?" I blurted without thinking. My cheeks pinked slightly.

She winked at me and leaned closer. "It's rude to ask a lady her age, didn't anyone ever tell you that?"

A light laugh spilled from my lips. "Fair enough." I smiled back at her.

She inclined her head at Charlotte's sleeping form. "Your daughter is very energetic. The pediatric surgeon adores her." I groaned.

"I hope she hasn't been driving you guys nuts around here. My-" I stuttered over the word. Panic laced my veins. What did I call Evelyn exactly? I couldn't say principle. And I didn't know if she was comfortable with "girlfriend" yet either.

"Your?-" The Doctor prodded, a smirk planted firmly on her face. Her eyes glittered with amusement.

"Shaylyn, would you stop teasing my girlfriend please? That would be great."

I gasped at the raspy tones of her voice and jerked my gaze to hers. She leaned against the doorway and watched me carefully, gauging my reaction. I bit my lip at the grin that wanted to cross my

face. But then I realized something, she knew the doctor's name.

I glanced between them with narrowed eyes. "Wait...you two know each other?"

Evelyn unglued herself from the doorway and sauntered over to me, shooting the short-haired doctor a light glare. "Unfortunately."

Doctor Daniels, or Shaylyn, whatever I was supposed to call her, laughed. "Yes. We know each other."

I shot Evelyn a look that said she'd definitely be explaining this weirdness later. She just raised a brow at me in response before leaning down to press a soft kiss to my lips, careful around my injuries.

I heard Shaylyn groan in exaggerated disgust. "Oh, do I need to leave? Because I can do that if you're just going to waste my time sucking face with my patient."

I laughed and Evelyn glowered as she slumped down in the chair the opposite side of the bed. I glanced down at Charlotte, who was surprisingly still asleep.

"Alright Ms. O'Brian. Time to get down to business." The playfulness in her voice smoothed out into seriousness.

I sucked in a deep breath as I met the Doctor's eyes. She glanced down at the file in her hands before looking back up at me. "Good or bad news first?"

"Bad." I immediately answered, wiping my sweaty palms on the bed. Evelyn reached over and grabbed my hand, her thumb rubbing soothing circles into the skin there. I shot her a grateful smile.

"Well, your heart is not cooperating. The stress of what you've been through, though it hasn't exactly been determined since you won't tell us, has taken its toll. I'm sure you've noticed the stinging sensation in your chest?" She looked at me expectantly.

I nodded, unconsciously rubbing the spot with my free hand. She nodded back.

"This is called Aortic Stenosis. It is a heart condition known to effect the aorta which is the primary valve branching off of the heart. It's symptoms include chest tightness, heart murmur, and enlarged heart. So far, the only problem we've encountered is the heart murmur."

She smiled, easing my nerves a bit. "The good news is, I do not see surgery in the future. Your heart is strong and healthy, but just needs time to rest."

I sighed in relief but she held up a hand. "But, this is not a problem your body can fix on its own, so I will be putting you on some medication, and you will need to see me at least once a week." She leveled me with a stern look.

I glanced at Evelyn before returning the Doctor's gaze. "Yes ma'am."

She smiled and stood. "Very good. Now I must attend to my other patient who is very old, and very cranky. I will be back to check on you later." She saluted us before abruptly striding out.

Evelyn and I stared at each other for a few minutes before I let out a laugh, unable to hold it in anymore. "Did she just salute us?"

Evelyn grinned. "Indeed she did. Shaylyn has always been a bit, eccentric."

I raised a brow, pinning her with a look. "Spill." Her smile widened and she leaned over me. The breath caught in my throat as her nose brushed mine. But she simply snatched the remote from the table on the other side of the bed and leapt back, curling into to the chair again.

"Evelyn!" I growled in annoyance, but she didn't give and I just shook my head, a smile filling my face. I glanced around the room and allowed my smile to widen. Family Guy was on the tv, my daughter was curled up beside me, and the love of my life was laughing.

I was healing.

😂❤️