Minnie sat in the hallway outside the hospital room, looking at the door every few minutes. Holding back tears, she wrung her hands as the minutes ticked by; each one seemed like hours to her. The doctor had said he would tell her once Mickey was out of danger, but it had already been so long…
No. It was better not to even think like this. A hand on her shoulder made her look up; her father was standing beside her.
"I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner. The police wanted to speak to me."
Minnie sniffled as he hugged her.
"How much longer can it take?" she whispered. Marcus sat down beside her, stroking her shoulder.
"I'm sure he'll be all right."
Minnie took a deep breath and nodded.
"I asked Horace to notify any family," Marcus said. "They should be here soon."
Minnie nodded, only half hearing what he said. She was too worried to really think about much.
"What about Mortimer?" she asked bitterly. "How long will he get?" Her father gave her a slight smile.
"McDuck gave the police his finances. The evidence of fraud alone is enough to put him away for a long time. That added to theft and kidnapping…" He nodded. "He won't be hurting anyone else anymore."
Minnie smiled sadly; she just wished it had been sooner. Marcus put his arm around her, but she was quickly distracted when a door opened. To her intense disappointment, it wasn't the door to the room, but the main one to the hospital. Goofy hurried in, followed by Oswald. Leaning on his arm was a warmly dressed cat that Minnie realized must be Ortensia. Marcus stood from beside Minnie and held out his hand, regarding the trio with curiosity.
"You're his family, then?" Goofy gave him a small grin as he shook his hand.
"Good as, sir. Thanks for lettin' us know." Ortensia nodded shyly, but Oswald stayed quiet, frowning, as she stepped forward, a hand on her large belly.
"You must be Minnie?"
The female mouse nodded and stood.
"I'm glad to finally meet you," she said, holding out a hand. Ortensia shook it with a sad smile.
"I just wish it were in better circumstances."
Minnie swallowed and instinctively looked at the door, which was still closed.
"How's he doin'?" Goofy asked, looking worried. Minnie sighed and shook her head.
"I don't know. The doctor said he has a chance, but… "
She broke off as her voice cracked; Ortensia whimpered and pressed a gloved hand to her mouth to stifle a sob. Oswald immediately hurried over and placed an arm around her, guiding her to a seat.
"I-I'm all right," she said. Oswald helped her sit, holding her hand.
"I know, but you need to take it easy."
Goofy let out a heavy sigh, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Gawrsh," he said, looking guilty. "I knew Mick was overdoin' it, but I never thought it'd get this bad."
Ortensia looked up and managed a slight smile.
"It wasn't your fault."
Oswald touched her arm.
"It wasn't yours either." His voice grew bitter. "The only person whose fault it was is that Rodawn guy."
Minnie sighed; she could tell that some of his bitterness was directed toward her. But her thoughts were interrupted when her father stood.
"I can't express how sorry I am that this happened. Perhaps if we'd reported Mortimer sooner, it wouldn't have. But we didn't want to move until we had an airtight case, so there was no chance he'd get away."
Oswald looked up, a surprised look on his face.
"And for what it's worth," Marcus added. "I can assure you that he will pay for what he's done." Oswald looked at him for a moment, and then nodded.
"Thank you, sir," he said, then quickly looked away, but not before Minnie saw the flash of gratitude in his eyes. She had no doubt that his pride kept him from showing it. As the next hour went by, Minnie could only watch the door as her father filled the others in on what had happened. Occasionally, she noticed Oswald glancing at her with a thoughtful look.
Finally, the door to the hospital room opened. Everyone looked up as the doctor stepped out, his face tired but otherwise unreadable. Minnie leaped to her feet and tried to ask the question she both dreaded and longed for the answer to, but her throat was suddenly too tight to speak. Oswald squeezed Ortensia's hand and looked up.
"Is he gonna be all right?"
Minnie felt her heart skip a beat when the man smiled and nodded.
"He's through the worst of it. If there are no complications, he should make a complete recovery."
Goofy quickly placed a hand on Minnie's shoulder to steady her as her legs went weak with relief.
"Thank goodness," Ortensia breathed. The doctor smiled reassuringly at her, and then went on.
"It's a good thing he was brought here so quickly, or he wouldn't have been so lucky. You may see him now… someone will be on hand if needed."
After the doctor left, Marcus stood.
"I'm sorry, but I have to go back to the station. There are still some things that have to be taken care of."
He glanced at Minnie with concern, and she smiled.
"It's all right."
Her father smiled back and gave her a gentle hug.
"I'll be back soon."
After he left, Goofy smiled at Minnie.
"Ya can go on in."
Ortensia nodded, smiling.
"Take as long as you need. We'll wait here."
Oswald shifted on his feet and nodded, but still didn't say anything.
"Thank you," Minnie said, her heart beating faster with both eagerness and apprehension. After all, she couldn't blame Mickey if he was still upset with her. But as she turned, Oswald suddenly stepped forward, his ears twitching uneasily.
"Look, I, uh… I never really thanked you for helpin' us out."
Minnie was taken by surprise by his words, but quickly managed to collect herself.
"That's all right…" she started, but Oswald held up his hand.
"No, I should've. And with what happened tonight... if you hadn't gotten there when you did…"
Minnie caught his meaning and shuddered at the thought. Oswald shuffled his feet a bit, then looked up and held out a hand.
"Thanks," he said softly. Minnie gazed at him in surprise for a moment, then reached out and shook it.
"You're welcome."
She turned to the door and entered the room, quietly closing the door behind. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she walked toward Mickey's bed and sat down beside him. His breathing was raspy but much more even and the swelling on his bruised eye had lessened. She immediately perked up when he stirred.
"Mickey?" As soon as she spoke, Mickey opened his eyes. Minnie felt her heart flutter with nerves as they moved to her, but then relief filled her when he smiled.
"Hi, Minnie," he said hoarsely. The tears spilled from her eyes as she clasped his hand in hers.
"I'm so glad to see you… I was so worried."
His smile faded and a sad look came to his eyes.
"Minnie, I'm sorry. I never should've pushed ya away like that, I…" He broke off, then sighed and closed his eyes. He looked so ashamed that it broke Minnie's heart.
"I'm so sorry," he rasped.
Minnie leaned in and gave him a gentle hug.
"I'm the one who should be sorry," she said. "I knew you couldn't have done it."
When she drew back, his eyes were open again and he was smiling as he squeezed her hand. Suddenly an alarmed look came to his face and he pushed himself up. Minnie gasped when he groaned and held his side, but before she could say anything, Mickey reached toward the table beside the bed with his other hand, wincing as he tried to pull open a drawer. Minnie quickly reached over.
"Do you need something?" She pulled the drawer open to see his jacket folded inside. She took it out and handed it to Mickey, who unfolded it and reached into a pocket. A relieved smile came to his face and he pulled out a worn handkerchief, handing it to her.
"No, but I think you do."
Frowning slightly in confusion, Minnie took the hanky and unfolded it. She gasped; carefully placed inside was her mother's necklace. She reached out with trembling fingers and picked it up.
"Mickey…" she gasped. "How… how did you…?" He gave her a slight grin.
"When that Beagle fella hauled me to Mortimer's place, the guy whipped it out n' started railin' on about how sure he was that they'd blame me for it, that he didn't get why anyone'd take my word, blah, blah, blah…" He coughed a few times, then rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Rambled on till I was fit t' pass out. Then the big palooka tossed it on the desk right in front a' me. Didn't even notice me grab it. I just got it hidden 'fore the big guy started on me."
Minnie gazed at him as he coughed again and laid his head back with a heavy sigh.
"Boy, did I get a scare when I woke up n' found my jacket gone. Thought I lost it."
"But… why?" Minnie asked quietly. "If they found out you had it, you could've been…"
Mickey smiled a little, his eyes still closed.
"It was yours. N' I know how important it was."
Slowly, Minnie set the necklace down, reached over and took Mickey's hand. When he looked at her, she held it to her cheek as tears filled her eyes.
"Mickey…" she whispered. "I… I'm…"
His smile widened as he stroked her cheek.
"It's all right," he said gently. "It's okay now."
Minnie felt more tears gather in her eyes as she tightened her hold on his hand.
"I've never been so scared. I was so afraid that you… would…" She shuddered. "I don't even want to imagine it."
As tears trickled from her eyes, Minnie spoke the words she was afraid she'd never be able to say.
"I love you, Mickey Mouse."
His own eyes started to glisten as he gently wiped away a tear with his thumb.
"I love you too, Minnie," he whispered, then winced and closed his eyes. "Th-that's why… why I was so… when I thought you…"
Minnie bit her lip.
"I'm sorry…I don't blame you if you're still angry."
Mickey shook his head slowly.
"Nah…" he murmured, then squeezed her hand. "Just glad I'm still here." He sighed softly and his breathing grew deeper as he drifted off to sleep. Minnie smiled as more tears filled her eyes, but this time they were tears of happiness. She pressed his hand to her lips.
"Me too."
