In the previous chapter, Leena once again reprised her role as Esther, and is taken to the hospital by a policeman for a check up, before they can find her a home. What happens to her there? Will she be ok? Read on to find out...
I sat in the police car, exhausted by what had happened over the last hour or so. I lay back in my seat and closed my eyes, humming "Glory of Love" to myself softly. I guess I must have dozed off, because I found myself being gently shaken awake. I rubbed my eyes and slowly i sat up properly. We were here. I climbed out of the car, carrying my case with my things in, and we walked towards the building.
Once inside, I was led by the hand to the waiting room, where I sat and waited. I looked around the room as I sat patiently, waiting for my turn. "Are you ok?" The policeman asked. "I'm a bit scared" I replied. I wasn't acting, I was actually scared they'd blow my cover while checking me over. I just hoped I wouldn't have to remove my clothes for any reason. Soon my number was called, and I was lead down a corridor, and into a small room where a nurse was waiting. "Hello dear!" She cooed at me, smiling. "What's your name then?" I smiled back at her, even though I was wincing inside at her tone. Still, she did think I was a child. "Esther" I replied, cringing at the name. Why did I pick that name? I don't really remember, only I needed a different name because my real name was out of the question. "It's nice to meet you, Esther" she said, smiling again. "How old are you?" She asked. "Nine" I replied, shyly. "Nine!" She cooed, again "quite a big girl then, aren't you?" I cringed again at her tone, but grinned at her remark. She didn't know how much of a "big girl" I actually was! She seemed to interpret me grinning as agreeing with her. "Well, Esther, first I'm going to have a little chat with the nice man who's brought you here, then we'll check up on you to make sure you're ok, then we'll decide what to do". I was lead out the room by the policeman and over towards a kids section, with toys and books and colouring crayons, where kids can sit while waiting. He then said to me to wait here while he had a chat with the nurse. "Ok" I said, and I went over to a table and began to scribble childishly with crayons on a piece of paper, while singing "Glory of Love" to myself. An odd song for someone of "my age" to sing, but I find it oddly calming.
After a bit, the policeman returned and said I had to go in now. I followed him back down the corridor and into the nurses room again. "Ok Esther, the nurse going to check you over, to make sure you're ok, then we'll prepare a bed for you until morning. Is that ok?" He asked gently. "I miss daddy" I said, sadly and childishly. They were silent then, not knowing what to say. Then the nurse began to check me over. Luckily, she found nothing wrong with me, I was fine. I was lead off yet again to a ward where they had a bed for me. My case was placed beside the bed, and I was left alone while the policeman went to make a few telephone calls. I quickly grabbed my case, and went off the the loos, got changed into my nightie, checked my makeup and went back to the ward. I placed my case back beside my bed, climbed into bed. Suddenly feeling exhausted by what had happened tonight, I fell asleep, wondering what would happen tomorrow.
In the next chapter, Esther hears some news she has been waiting for. What is it? It is good news? Stay tuned to find out, and please review if you have any suggestions or comments :-).