“But I talked to her every day anyway.”
His voice broke.
“When she passed, I was holding her hand.”
Serena had never allowed herself to love someone that deeply.
Marcus continued.
“Now it’s just me and Lily.”
He described the struggles of raising a daughter alone.
Rent payments.
Empty refrigerators.
Shoes he couldn’t afford.
“But when Lily hugs me and says I’m the strongest person in the world,” he said quietly, “I feel richer than anyone.”
Serena felt something break inside her heart.
Two days later, Marcus returned with someone else.
A small girl.
“Daddy, is this the lady you’ve been talking about?” she asked.
“Yes,” Marcus said gently. “This is Miss Hayes.”
Tiny fingers wrapped around Serena’s motionless hand.
“Hi Miss Hayes,” the girl said. “My name is Lily. I’m seven.”
She placed a drawing on the table.
“It has flowers and butterflies so you’ll see it when you wake up.”
Then Lily asked a simple question.
“Daddy… do you think she’s lonely?”
Marcus answered softly.
“That’s why we visit her.”
Lily squeezed Serena’s hand.
“You’re not alone,” she said.
Three words Serena had never heard in her entire life.
You’re not alone.
Days later, Marcus returned with heavy steps.
“They’re transferring you tomorrow,” he said quietly.
“This might be the last time I see you.”
He took her hand.
“Talking to you helped me more than you’ll ever know.”
His voice cracked.
“I hope someone talks to you wherever they take you.”
He began walking toward the door.
Serena felt panic rising inside her.
She couldn’t let him leave.
For the first time in decades, Serena Hayes wanted to live.
She focused all her strength on her right hand.
Move.
Nothing happened.
Move.
Her finger trembled.
The heart monitor beeped faster.
Her hand shifted against the sheet.
The nurse gasped.
“Doctor! She’s moving!”
Serena forced her eyes open.
Bright hospital lights filled her vision.
