Chapter 24: Daddy's Girl

As they walked into the care facility, Sammy's nostrils were invaded by the smell of disinfectant. The odor was a symbol of cleanliness, but Sammy hated the hospital smell. It reminded her of the night she had fallen asleep on a hard bench in the waiting room, before a doctor had nudged her awake to tell her that her mother had passed away. It brought back painful memories of the day her life had been turned on its head.

As if telepathically sensing Sammy's distress, Nelly reached over and took her hand. Sammy was grateful to have a friend like Nelly. Since knowing each other, she felt like in Nelly, she had found a sister.

They walked down the hallways towards her father's room. She could feel her hands squeezing hard on the bouquet of flowers she was holding. A lump began to form in her throat as they neared the room. She was excited to see her father but apprehensive at the same instant.