Victoria's cold voice echoed down the hallway.
"Driver! Take Grace and Felicity to the hospital immediately!"
Grace looked at Victoria, surprised and worried.
"Victoria… won't you go with her? , you are her mother and she really needs a comfort and support from you"
Victoria's eyes were sharp and unyielding, "You will escort her Grace,I am too busy right now ".
Grace sighed, knowing there was no way to refuse. She gently helped Felicity stand, supporting her as they walked toward the car.
"Don't worry, Felicity. We'll make sure everything is okay," Grace whispered softly, trying to calm the little girl.
Felicity clutched Grace's hand tightly, shivering, but nodded weakly. Grace held her close as the driver opened the car door, helping them inside.
As the car drove off toward the hospital, Grace kept a steady hand on Felicity's back, whispering words of comfort.
We'll get through this, I promise, she thought, determined to keep her safe.
At the hospital, Felicity lay on the examination bed, still shivering weakly. Grace stood nearby, holding her hand gently, trying to soothe her.
A doctor shook his head and looked at Grace sharply.
"Why did you let her get this sick? How can you leave your child to reach this point?" the doctor demanded, his voice full of frustration.
Grace's eyes widened, her chest tightening.
"My… my child?!" she whispered, her voice trembling.
" How irresponsible mother you are ?!" another doctor added sternly. "She's so weak because no one took care of her properly!"
Grace's body froze. Her heart ached at the words, and tears welled up in her eyes.
"She… she's not… I mean, I'm not her mother…" she tried to explain, her voice breaking.
The word "child" repeated in her ears, echoing painfully. She hugged Felicity closer, feeling a wave of guilt and helplessness crash over her.
Why do they call her my child? I'm not her mother… but I can't let anything happen to her, Grace thought, wiping away tears as she whispered softly to Felicity,
"I'm here… I won't let anything happen to you, Felicity."
After examining Felicity, the doctors gave her medicine and instructions for care. They explained carefully how to keep her fever down and what to do if she felt worse again.
Grace nodded, holding the prescription tightly. Her heart was still heavy from the earlier scolding, but she knew she had to stay strong for Felicity.
"Don't worry, Felicity. We're going home now. You'll be safe," she whispered softly, brushing the girl's hair from her damp forehead.
The driver opened the car door, and Grace gently helped Felicity inside. She sat close, holding her hand and occasionally pressing a cool cloth to her forehead as Felicity rested.
The ride back to the house was quiet. Felicity leaned weakly against Grace, finally finding some comfort in her arms. Grace whispered soft words, trying to calm both her own racing thoughts and the little girl's fear.
Just a little longer, Felicity. We'll get through this together, Grace thought.
When they arrived at the house, Grace carefully carried Felicity inside. She prepared and gave her some food, she then tucked her into bed, making sure she was comfortable, and quietly checked the medicine and instructions from the doctors.
As night fell, Grace stayed close to Felicity, watching over her, making sure she was safe and cared for. Though the world outside was harsh and cold, inside that room, Felicity felt warmth and love for the first time in a long while.