Naia's POV
"Come on Naia, it'll be fun!" Ellie begged me as Shane and Thomas sat on either side of me, pleading.
I shook my head, "It's so risky Ellie, don't you think the Samuals will notice if that much of their food is missing from the fridge."
"We don't have to take much..." Ellie countered and I reluctantly agreed. For Shane's seventh birthday, Ellie wanted to have a picnic in the backyard for him. When the Samuals left the house to go and visit some friends, Ellie jumped on the chance.
Thomas and Shane whooped with joy and I gave them both a noogie on the head.
"Alright," I said, "I'll get the food and Ellie you take our blanket."
I went downstairs and opened the fridge. As usual, there was a box of beer sitting on the middle shelf. I looked around for anything and finally was able to find a container of raspberries that didn't look too moldy. Hopefully the Samuals have forgotten about it. When I checked the cupboards, I managed to find a half eaten bag of chips that was in the back. Surely this wouldn't be missed since there were other bags of chips that were full.
Feeling like this was enough, I went out to the backyard to see Ellie and the boys sitting on the blanket. I plopped the food down and everyone dug in.
"For my eighth birthday, I'm going to have cake!" Shane announced when the food was done. Ellie and I exchanged glances, it seemed so unlikely but Shane was young and more likely to be adopted.
"I'm not so sure buddy." Ellie said honestly. We've always been honest with the boys since the moment they came to live with the Samuals. "I wouldn't get your hopes up.
Shane looked so deflated that I felt like I had to jump in. "But maybe for your ninth birthday you'll have cake!" I said and Shane looked up.
"You think so?" He asked, looking hopeful.
I nodded, "I know so."
When I opened my eyes, the lights were so bright that I immediately shut them again. That's when I realized that there was something in my throat. Panicking, my eyes flew open as I tried to figure out where I was. As my eyes adjusted to the light, I saw that there were people outside my room looking at computers and papers. I tried to speak but the thing in my throat prevented that and I panicked even more.
The annoying beeping became faster but I guess I didn't mind so much when the beeping attracted people.
Two woman came into the room.
"Naia," One of them said, "I'm Dr. Manning, do you remember me?"
Dr. Manning. Yes, I knew her. She was at my birthday party and treated me both times I was here. I was at Chicago Med. I gave a tiny nod.
"I'm going to take this out of your throat now." She said, looking at me but I didn't do anything. "Alright."
She carefully slid out a tube from my throat and I started coughing when it was out.
"That's it, breathe." Dr. Manning said, rubbing my shoulder which made me flinch. "How do you feel."
I nodded, "Good." My voice was hoarse.
April gave me a cup of water which I gladly drank. Oh how I've missed cups.
"Okay, well you just rest up." Dr. Manning said. "We'll be back to check on you in a little while."
I nodded and when they left, laid back down on the bed and closed my eyes.
I was alive.