-Community General Hospital; Christmas Eve-
Monica and Mandy walked into Faith's room. Andrew was sitting beside her bed, reading her a Christmas story. He smiled at the sight of the two women.
Monica handed Andrew one of the papers that Mandy had signed. Andrew read it and smiled at Mandy. He knelt down next to Faith.
"Faith, do you remember Mandy?"
The little girl nodded.
"She has decided to take you to her house and let you live there. Do you want to live with Mandy?"
Faith nodded again.
Andrew stood up and walked over to Mandy and Monica. He pulled Mandy aside.
"She's only got a day or so left, Mandy." He said gravely.
"I know."
Andrew nodded. "When you take her, you know what will happen?"
Mandy nodded. "I'm ready."
"Okay. I'll sign the release papers. Take her home and make her comfortable."
Andrew and Monica watched, invisible, as Mandy and Faith decorated a Christmas tree. Mandy pulled a box of presents out from behind the couch, and she and Mandy began putting them under the tree. They were mostly all addressed to Faith, but neither seemed to mind. When they were finished, Mandy and Faith sat in front of the tree.
"Can you sing me a Christmas song, Mandy?" Faith asked.
"Sure. Which one?"
"Away In A Manger." Faith replied.
Mandy began to sing:
"Away in a manger
no crib for a bed
the little Lord Jesus
lay down His sweet head
The stars in the sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
Be near me Lord Jesus
I ask Thee to stay
Close by forever
And love me I pray
Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to Heaven
To live with Thee there."
Tears were streaming down Mandy, Andrew, and Monica's faces.
"Mandy, I'm sleepy now." Faith said; her hands balled into fists, rubbing her eyes.
"Okay."
Mandy wheeled Faith into her bedroom. She lifted Faith from the wheelchair and lay her in her bed. She kissed Faith's forehead and tucked her in. Walking out of the room, she turned out the light, praying that Faith could hold on until the next night.