Worried
Once they arrived at the hospital, Carla got down from the car in a haste. Before she reached Venus's ward, she could hear the child's fearful cries from afar.
Rushing in, she gave Venus a tight hug. "Venus, don't be afraid. Mommy's here. I'm right here…"
"Mommy!" Venus was shaking in her arms.
"Good girl, Venus. You're fine now. It's all right. Mommy's here. No one can hurt you." Carla patted her back gently to comfort her.
Before long, Venus finally calmed down and dozed off.
Naya revealed in a low voice, "The drug must be causing her sleepiness. She'll be fine a couple of days later."
"How about her wounds?" Carla inquired. "Her voice sounded hoarse."
"Her throat is a little infected after she took in too much of the poisonous smoke. She'll be fine after getting some rest, " Naya replied. "There are no big issues. It's only a mild concussion."
"I think she's traumatized, " Carla said, staring at Venus worriedly.
"Yes, she is, " came Naya's answer. "I've arranged for some psychologists to examine her the next time she wakes up."
"Okay." Carla sat beside the bed. "You can leave now. I'll keep Venus company."
"All right. I'll go check on Benard. Call me if anything happens."
"I…" Freda hesitated.
"Leave with her. We're fine here." Carla knew what was on her mind.
"I'll stay with Ms. Lierger, " Rogan offered. "Go, Freda."
"Stay with her. Don't leave her alone, " Freda instructed.
"Of course."
Freda left with Naya, while Rogan stayed with Carla.
Carla switched off the lights, leaving behind a dim yellow light just so she could keep an eye on Venus. Her heart was overwhelmed with anguish and guilt.
Gently, she held Venus's tiny hands to give her warmth.
It was four in the morning, and Carla should be exhausted by now, but she couldn't sleep a wink. Keeping Venus company made her feel better.
Time trickled by, and the sun eventually came out.
Freda returned to report, "Our men sent back word that the car belonged to the restaurant at the foot of the hill. There's nothing suspicious about it."
"Fine, then." Carla didn't dwell on the matter. "Prepare to head to the company."
"It's still early. Aren't you heading back to get some rest?" Freda asked with concern.
"I'm fine." Carla's brows knitted together. "There is too much work for me to relax. I can't sleep well. I'll rest when everything comes to an end."
"But your health—"
"Stop it, " Carla cut her off. "Rogan, let's go to my office. Freda, stay here at the hospital."
"I—"
"Yes, Ms. Lierger, " Rogan answered hastily.
Though Freda felt uneasy, she dared not disobey Carla's order.
Her heart ached at how Carla was putting others before her until now.
She knows I'm worried about Benard. That's why she switched my shift with Rogan's shift so I can stay in the hospital. Though it seems like a task, she's actually being kind.
Right then, Naya had arrived with the psychologists. "Ms. Lierger, I've made the arrangements. Once Venus regains consciousness, they'll start counseling her. Don't worry. But during the session, it's better to have someone to stay with her."
"But I—"
Carla was about to explain that she was heading to work when two familiar voices rang out. "Mommy!"
Randy and Josh ran in with Venus's favorite plushie.
"We'll keep Venus company. You should get some rest, " Randy said gently. "It's still early, so you can take a nap and go back to work in the afternoon."
"Yes, Mommy. Don't exhaust yourself." Josh hugged her. "We'll be worried if you get sick."
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