Disclaimer: I do not own Grey's Anatomy.
"You should go in there and fix him," she cried.
"I can't fix him, because no one can fix him, because he's dead."
He was dead. Her Daddy was dead.
And what everyone was doing was hugging her and telling her how sorry they were. Zola was a bit confused about why they were saying sorry. It wasn't their fault he was dead, it couldn't be. Mommy said Daddy was in an accident when he died.
Bailey looked bored. He seemed tired of all the hugs and kisses, and I'm sorrys, and now he was sitting on the ground, inspecting his shoes. That's how bored he was. Zola, on the other hand just stood there and allowed herself to be hugged and kissed and picked up by every single aunt, cousin, uncle, or family friend that she barely knew. She was a big girl now, Mommy said. And she had to take care of her little brother.
Well, her brother was having none of it. He was busy trying to unbutton his shirt that Mommy made him wear, the one with the scratchy collar so that he could take it off and run around with nothing on. Zola tugged on Mommy's sleeve to try to tell her, but she didn't turn around. She was too busy talking to Aunt Lizzie, who had lots of tears coming out of her eyes. Zola only vaguely remembered Aunt Lizzie, she was a faded memory and a picture from a photograph Zola once saw.
You're a big girl now, her mother's words echoed. You have to take care of your little brother.
Zola sighed and turned around. "Bailey," she said softly, trying to not bring attention to the pair. "Put your shirt back on."
Bailey crossed his arms. "No," he complained. "Itchy!"
"Do it," Zola added. "Or else," she threatened, just like Mommy always did.
"Don't wanna," he pouted.
"I'll tell Mommy," she said.
"I don't want Mommy!" Bailey yelled. "I want Daddy!"
"Daddy got dead, Bailey," Zola reminded him. "You can't see him."
"I don't care! I want Daddy!" he shrieked, laying on the floor and kicking and screaming. "I want Daddy!"
Mommy still didn't turn around. It was as if she didn't notice.
Or maybe she just didn't care.
Maybe Mommy didn't love them anymore, and she was going to abandon them, and they were going to have to live on the streets, and there wouldn't be anything to eat, and-
A sob escaped Zola's lips. And then she was lying there, on the ground, hugging Bailey as tight as she possibly could, because Daddy was gone, and everything was gone, and she was sad and confused, and-
"Ow," Bailey complained, momentarily pausing his crying. "You're hurting me, Zozo! Stop!"
She let go, still crying. He grabbed her hand, whimpering.
"I miss Daddy," he whispered. "I'm scared."
"Me too," Zola admitted, as if it was the world's biggest secret. And maybe it was. "But don't worry. I'm your big sister. I'll protect you. I'm a big girl now, Bailey."
They were in this together, and that was okay because there were two of them, because they would never be alone.
"Love you Zozo."
She squeezes his hand. "I love you too."
A/N: I hope you enjoyed the oneshot! Reviews are greatly appreciated. Just saying. :)