CHAPTER 4

　　Did she suffer a concussion due to the fall? Oh, Lord! She doesn't have time for this. She had to be on her way to pick up Casey from school but how can she do that if she's stuck here with her?

　　"Um hi..." She waved at her trying to sound cool so she could reason things out with her "My name is Mira and I really want to help you but I can't do that if I don't know where to find your parents. Can you help me, please?" She pleaded desperately.

　　The little girl reached into her purse that was hung over her shoulders. Mira didn't realize that she had it on her till now. She brought out a tablet and a pen and started scribbling on them.

　　"My name is Abby" An automated voice spoke from the tablet.

　　Mira hasn't seen one of those before. and why is she speaking through a laptop? On a good day, Mira would've asked but she needs to sort this out as soon as possible. At least there was a way to communicate with her which was progress.

　　"Alright, Abby. My name is Mirabella. How did you end up here?"

　　The little girl started scribbling again while Mira waited patiently.

　　"I ran away" The voice spoke up again.

　　"Why would you run away Abby?" She asked "Did something happen? Is someone after you?"

　　She scribbled again.

　　"Yes!" The voice spoke again. And then "The nurse and an injection"

　　Mira almost burst out into a fit of laughter but she refrained from doing so. Plus, the girl looks petrified and very confused at the moment.

　　"So where are your parents now?"

　　She scribbled again.

　　"New Age Hospital." The voice spoke again.

　　"I think I know where it is. It's not that far from here so I'll walk you there myself. Is that okay with you?" She asks and after a while, Abby nodded.

　　Great! Another work cut out for her.

　　Mira quickly picked up her phone and texted Rukky to pick up Casey from school instead because she'll be running a bit late.

　　"Alright, Abby. It's just you and me now. Let's go" Mira held out her hands towards Abby and the little girl studied it for a while before slowly placing her tiny hands in hers and they started the walk straight to the hospital.

　　The walk to the hospital was a funny and interactive one.

　　Mira was surprised at how smart Abby was for a girl her age. She was almost six and she reminded her of Casey a lot. Kids these days.

　　They took their time oblivious of the war that is already taking place at the hospital due to Abby's little escapade.

　　Halfway through the journey, Abby stopped walking and brought out her tablet again. Mira stopped as well to listen to what she had to say.

　　"I'm thirsty" The automated voice spoke again after she was done scribbling.

　　"Okay" Mira scanned the environment with her eyes to see if maybe there was a store nearby where she could get water from.

　　"Come with me" she took the little girl's hands and they made their way across the road to the other side.

　　Luckily, she spotted one and they went inside to get water. After paying the sales guy, Mira uncocked the bottled water and handed it over to Abby who drowned the entire contents.

　　"You were that thirsty?" She asked gobsmacked but her voice came out funny causing Abby to giggle.

　　"Another one for the road please!" She ordered and soon enough, they were making their way to the hospital.

　　They would've gotten there on time if not for Abby's occasional stops. Mira actually realized that she and Abby agree on a lot of things.

　　When they arrived at the hospital, Abby stopped at the entrance, refusing to go in. Mira noticed from the look on her face that she was scared of this place. But why?

　　Squatting down to her height, she lifted her chin so that she could stare directly into her eyes.

　　"Are you okay dear?"

　　She brought out her tablet and started scribbling. Mira waited patiently for her response.

　　"I'm scared" The voice came through. And then "The nurse would give me a shot if I go inside"

　　Mira gave a small smile at the little girl's innocence before taking her tiny hands into hers.

　　"Shots are not a bad thing Abby. The only reason we take them is so that we could get better. You do want to get better don't you?" She inquires and Abby replies with a nod.

　　"Good. And if you're feeling scared then close your eyes and just envision yourself doing something fun or silly. It always works for me" she adds. "Can I tell you a secret?"

　　Abby nodded.

　　"I'm scared of shots as well"

　　Abby's eyes popped up at the revelation. "Yeah, I know but I still take them and so should you. Promise me that you will take them and not run away next time" Mira raised her pinky finger and Abby entertwined hers around them to solidify the promise.

　　"That's a good girl" Mira applauds the smiling Abby. "And by the way, this is for you" she gives her a little toy and Abby rolls It around her fingers. "It helps so that you don't get scared anymore."

　　Abby wrapped her arms around Mira's neck, engulfing her in an embrace. An action that surprised her but she didn't pull away and hugged her back.

　　"Are you ready now?"

　　Abby nodded yes and stuffed the toy into her purse.

　　Just as they were about to walk inside the hospital, Mira noticed three hefty men all dressed in black running towards them screaming Abby's name.

　　"Miss Abby!" One of the men called as they approached them.

　　"Who are you and what are you doing with her?" The question was redirected to Mira this time.

　　"And who are you?" She fired back at them and they looked at her, stunned.

　　"How dare you try to run away with her?"

　　"Excuse me?" Mira was confused. Run away? Does she look like a kidnapper to them?