Naia's POV

I drifted in and out of sleep. When I was awake, Gabby was always next to me. I wasn't sure how much time had passed but when I woke up again, Matt was also there.

"Matt?" I mumbled his name, unsure if I was just hallucinating.

Matt crouched down so he could be face to face with me. I noticed now that I was also in a different room. "Where am I?" I asked.

"You're in the PICU," Gabby told me. Right, I've been here before.

Matt smiled at me. "Hey Munchkin."

"Aren't you both supposed to be at the firehouse?" I asked and Matt shook his head.

"No, we're off today," Matt said but I was already starting to fall back asleep.

"Sweet dreams."

"Naia!"

Shane and Thomas came running to give Ellie and I hugs. We always walked together from school so once the bell went, we'd go over to their side of the school and pick them up.

"How was school?" Ellie asked. "Did you do anything fun?"

"Learn anything new?" I chimed in.

Thomas was jumping up and down as we started down the block. "We played soccer during gym today and I scored four goals!"

"Four?" I asked, actually impressed. "Wow! That's amazing buddy!"

Thomas smiled at me proudly. "I want to be a soccer player when I grow up."

"Then you know what bud?" Ellie said. "You go and be a soccer player."

I was freezing.

The water in the bathtub that James had thrown me in was as cold as it could be and now I was sitting in the corner of the bathroom still in my wet clothes. The tile underneath me felt even colder than before and it seemed like there was a breeze even though I wasn't sure that was possible.

Shivering, I reached up and pulled a towel off from the rack and tried to dry myself off. My ears were alert for any sound of James returning so I could hide any evidence. My stomach growled, reminding me how hungry I was.

Shaking the thoughts out of my head, I continued to try and dry myself as best as I could.

"That's it!" Mrs. Samual screamed. "I've had enough of this nonsense! Both of you, in the basement! Let's go!"

I opened my mouth to plead but Ellie shot me a look. I nodded and held my tongue as we were both dragged into the dark basement. We were pushed into a corner and I heard the basement door shut and then click, signaling that Mrs. Samuals had locked it. On lucky occasions, she'd forget and we could sneak up for some food but today wasn't one of those days.

"I hate her," Ellie said as she slumped against the wall.

I nodded in agreement and sat down next to her. "You know what I really want?" I asked Ellie.

"New foster parents?" Ellie said and I chuckled.

"Yes, but also, chocolate cake," I said and smiled as Ellie burst into laughter.

"We're locked in a basement and all you can think of is a chocolate cake?" Ellie asked, shaking her head. "Why?"

I shrugged, "If you look on the bright side, at least we have each other."

"That's very true," Ellie said and took my hand into hers.

We stayed silent for a while, leaning against each other.

"What would I do without you?" Ellie asked.

I chuckled, "You'd probably get yourself into even more trouble."

"We're keeping a close eye on her organs but so far they seem fine which is a good sign. She's responding well to the fluids and the antibiotics."

I opened my eyes to see Dr. Manning talking to Gabby and Matt who were nodding.

"Gabby?" I whispered. I was very quiet but since the room had gone silent, they heard me.

Gabby crouched down and held my hand, "Is everything all right?"

I nodded, "Am I going to die?"

"No, no, things are looking good." Dr. Manning said and she smiled at me. "The infection isn't effecting your organs or any tissue. You'll probably be good to go in a few days."

I smiled at Dr. Manning, "Thank you."

"No problem." Dr. Manning replied. "I'll be back in a little bit."

I heard her leave and Matt and Gabby sit down.

"How is everyone?" I asked, trying to stay awake.

Gabby grinned, "Well, they're asking the same thing about you."

"I'll be okay, tell them I said hi," I said, laughing a little bit. "Now, about that homework."

Matt shook his head, "Nope. You're relaxing until you're fully recovered and then you can worry about homework."

"But, that essay was due yesterday. I'm already going to lose points, I can't lose any more." I whined and tried using my puppy eyes.

"Don't worry about it. We've called the school and all of your teachers have been very understanding. You'll get an extended time." Gabby said and I nodded. "Anyways, while you were sleeping, someone dropped by to give you that." She nodded her head towards a small basket of flowers with a balloon attached that said 'get well soon'.

"Who?" I asked. I would have reached out to take the basket but I was too weak.

Matt smirked, "Take a guess."

"Was it someone from the firehouse?" I asked and both Matt and Gabby shook their head.

I was stumped. Who would stop by to give me a basket of flowers?

"I don't know, who was it?" I asked.

Matt grinned, "Nate! Not sure how he found out but both him and his stopped by earlier. Both of them wished you a quick recovery."

"That was so nice of them," I said, smiling. "I'll have to thank them somehow."

Gabby wagged a finger at me, "Not until you're fully better though missy."

I pouted, "Come on, it's just a little cold. You heard Dr. Manning, I'm responding well to the treatment."

Matt laughed. "I wouldn't quite call sepsis a little cold."

Gabby nodded, I could tell she was serious. "You're very lucky. A lot of people die from sepsis. Yours was pretty mild and didn't affect your organs."

"Yeah, I am aren't I?" I said, agreeing.

Matt smiled and bopped my nose with his finger.

"Yes, you are, Munchkin."