260- Long Before Valerie

Marissa was sitting on Abigail's bed clutching her child to her chest. Rafael was discussing her medication with the doctor.

"She is still too weak, Mr. Sinclair," The doctor's tone was serious but gentle, "Increase some protein in her diet. If we opt for surgery, she will need lots of strength and iron will. The good thing is she has already got plenty of willpower," The doctor gave an affectionate ruffle to Abi's hair as he spoke.

"Hey, little monkey! Now, no more jumping. Ok?" he warned the child with an easygoing grin.

They were discharging Abi with a list of instructions.

"I know," Abi said in a small voice, "Ariel got spooked when she saw blood. I felt pain in here," she placed her small hand on her chest.

Marissa kissed her head and leaned her cheek against it.

The doctor kept talking to Abi, keeping her distracted when a nurse went closer to take the cannula out of her hand.