I awoke in a room with white walls, maroon furniture and bright lighting. I looked next to me and saw a doctor. “Miss Carlin, I’m glad to see you’re awake.” It took me a moment to adjust to everything around me.

I couldn’t even respond for a bit of time. But finally I was able to speak. “How did I end up here?” I choked out.

“You passed out from shock right as the ambulance arrived.” He said before beginning to check my vital signs. “The police are going to want to talk to you when you get to feeling better.” I nodded my head in response. I was still a little ill adjusted.

“Is she okay?” I asked finally. Despite everything that happened, I still wanted to know. I wasn’t sure why. I guess I just care too much.

He glanced at his watch. “Yeah she should be fine. She just got out of surgery actually.”

After a while, he released me. I was signing some paperwork. As I handed it back to the receptionist I saw a little girl walking alone in the hallway. She held a teddy bear under one arm and the thumb from her other hand was in her mouth. She looked lost and scarred. I walked over to her gently as to not scare her. “Hey” I said softly. Her big eyes looked at me sadly. “Where’s your mommy?” I asked.

“I’m not supposed to talk to strangers.” I guessed she was about four or five. Old enough to walk and talk, she may have been six.

“Well that’s good. But I’m no stranger than anyone else.” She giggled which made me smile. I loved kids. “So where’s is your mommy?” I asked again.

“The tall man in the white said she was in slurgery.” She was adorable. Her hair was brown and curly, but it was up in a pony tail.

“I’m sorry honey. Do you want someone to sit with you while you wait?” She nodded her head eagerly up and down. I led her to a chair in the waiting area.

Her eyes looked at me. “You don’t look sick.”

I giggled again. “I’m not. I am here for a check up.” She smiled.