The surgical waiting room is dimly lit and has become more of a sanctuary for people who know and love Sonny. Billie and Jessie lie curled up to each other on a couch, sleeping peacefully. Noah finds solace in his iPad. Olivia has drifted off to sleep, using Stabler's shoulder as her pillow.
The room has become filled with a mix of silent slumber and whispered conversations between the officers, detectives, and A.D.A.s who have gathered. The tension in the room is palpable as they all anxiously await news on Sonny's condition.
Amanda hadn't rested well since they went to the surgical waiting room. Feeling restless, she sits up from her reclined position. Her eyes scanned the room, surprised by the amount of people who had shown up after hearing about her husband's accident.
"What time is it?" Amanda whispered.
Fin was sitting nearby. He glanced at his watch and replied in a hushed tone "It's almost 3 a.m."
Amanda's furrowed her brow, concern etching her features.
"Is he still in surgery?"
Fin nodded. "We haven't gotten any updates."
Amanda looked around noticing that Sonny's mom was missing from the waiting room.
"Has anyone seen Serafina?" She asked.
Dominick Senior leaned back in his chair and somberly answered "She's probably still down in the chapel.
Amanda felt the tug at her heart. If she couldn't be next to the love of her life, she could be next to the woman who gave him life.
"I think I will go sit with her. If anything changes…" Amanda didn't want to continue her sentence, she didn't want to think of the changes that could happen.
Dominick Senior nodded in understanding.
"We will let you know Amanda."
"We got you, Rollins," Fin said, patting Amanda on the back.
Amanda offered them a small, grateful smile before she set off towards the chapel. The hallway was quiet, the only sound being the soft echo of her footsteps. As she reached the chapel doors, she took a deep breath, preparing herself for the emotional weight that awaited her inside. The chapel was bathed in a gentle glow from the flickering candles, casting shadows on the pews. Serafina was kneeling towards the front, her hands clasped in prayer. Amanda took a seat behind Serafina, bowing her head in reverence. Serafina could sense Amanda's presence and turned, a small smile forming on her tear-stained face.
"Why don't you come sit up here with me?" Serafina said as she wiped away a few tears.
Amanda rose from her seat and joined Serafina in the pew.
"I know Dominick is in good hands, but I still wanted to pray for him," Serafina said.
Amanda nodded.
"He's my baby boy. A mother isn't supposed to have a favorite child, but I've always been closer to Dominick. The girls have always been closer to their father. Gina was my wild child. She was the youngest and most rebellious one. Don't get me wrong, Dominick had his moments too." Serafina smiled.
"Sonny? I figured he was the perfect angel." Amanda smiled.
Serafina chuckled "I know a few priests we've had over the years that would disagree with that. He was in the Christmas pageant when he was little, maybe three. He got bored and started to strip in front of the whole congregation."
Amanda and Serafina shared a laugh, a brief respite from the heaviness in their hearts.
"Or when he first became an altar boy." Serafina continued, "He was carrying the candle lighter down the aisle and let it down a little too low. That's the day we found out Anna-Maria DeMarco wore a wig."
Amanda's eyes went wide.
"He caught her wig on fire?"
Serafina laughed "I was ready to hide under something when he did that. Anna-Maria always thought she was better than everyone. I thought it knocked her back down to size."
Amanda and Serafina continued to laugh finding solace in the memories of a young Sonny. Their laughter was interrupted by the sound of footsteps behind them. They turned around and saw Olivia, with a somber look on her face.
"The nurse came out a few minutes ago and said they had just finished the surgery. The surgeon is on his way now.
Serafina's eyes filled with hope as she looked at Olivia.
"How is he?" Serafina asked.
Oliva's voice was filled with compassion "They won't tell us anything until you guys are there."
Amanda quickly rose from the pew, followed by Serafina. They exchanged a glance, their hearts filled with both fear and anticipation as they made their way out of the chapel, ready to face whatever news awaited them.