Chapter 27 A New Life Begins

3rd person pov

Nyara approached the hospital desk, a tote bag dangling from one shoulder and her other hand firmly clasping Iyla's small, warm fingers. Iyla's wide, curious eyes darted around the sterile white expanse of the hospital lobby, taking in the blur of bustling nurses and the faint, medicinal scent that permeated the air. A sudden, sharp scream echoed from a distant corridor, making Iyla flinch. A flicker of fear crossed her delicate features, and she instinctively tightened her grip on Nyara's hand.

Sensing her daughter's unease, Nyara smoothly scooped Iyla into her arms, the small body fitting snugly against her. She continued towards the desk, her voice calm and firm. "Hello, I'm here to check out Iyla."

The nurse, her eyes tired but professional, looked up. "What's the patient's last name?"

"Alister," Nyara replied without hesitation.

The nurse nodded, her fingers clicking across the keyboard. "Iyla Alister... yes, I see her name. Please sign these." She slid a clipboard with discharge forms across the counter.

Nyara quickly scanned the documents, signing where indicated, and returned the clipboard. The nurse then handed her a small, plastic bag containing Iyla's bloodstained clothes and a worn, star-covered backpack. Before Nyara could react, Dr. Mira approached, her smile warm and reassuring.

"Hello, Miss Nyara. Here's a list of activity restrictions for Iyla, along with care instructions."

Nyara nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Dr. Mira."

Iyla, mimicking her mother's politeness, smiled and repeated in her small, breathy voice, "Tank sho, Docshor Mira."

Dr. Mira chuckled softly. "You're welcome, sweetheart. You both take care now."

With a final nod, Nyara turned, holding Iyla securely in one arm while juggling the tote and plastic bag in the other. She walked out of the hospital, the automatic doors sliding open with a soft whoosh, and made her way to the car. She opened the trunk, the metallic click echoing in the parking lot, and placed the bags inside. Shifting her focus to Iyla, she gently placed her in the back seat.

"Baby, Mommy needs you to sit down and keep your seatbelt on, okay?" she said softly, her voice a gentle murmur.

"Otay, Mommy," Iyla responded, allowing Nyara to buckle her in securely.

As Nyara settled into the driver's seat, a knot of nerves tightened in her stomach. First time driving with her. The responsibility weighed on her, but she pushed the doubt aside, focusing on getting them home safely. Iyla, unable to see out the window from her low vantage point, watched her mother through the rearview mirror, her eyes following every movement.

"We're going to stop by the store and get you a special seat for the car. You can pick any color you like," Nyara assured her, her voice laced with warmth.

Iyla's excitement bubbled over, her words tumbling out in a jumbled rush.

Soon, they pulled up to Silverspire Emporium at the mall. Nyara got out and carefully lifted Iyla from her seat, placing a pair of dark sunglasses over her eyes, protecting them from the glare of the midday sun. As they stepped out, Iyla gasped, her eyes wide with wonder at the towering glass building before them, its surface reflecting the clouds above.

"Mommy, where are we? Are we going in that big building?" Iyla asked, her voice filled with awe.

Nyara chuckled at her daughter's enthusiasm. "Yes, baby, we are."

Holding Iyla close, she navigated through the crowded mall, the air thick with the scent of popcorn and perfume, and approached a store employee. "Hello, where can I find car seats for five-year-olds?"

"On the second floor, by the kids' section," the employee replied, pointing towards the escalators.

"Thank you," Nyara said with a nod, heading toward the elevator.

Iyla clung to her tightly, her small body tense with fear at the enclosed space. Noticing her discomfort, Nyara lifted her into her arms, holding her close until they reached the second floor. Once there, she walked over to the car seat section, carefully examining each option, prioritizing safety and comfort.

"Okay, baby, pick out the one you like best," Nyara encouraged, her eyes soft.

Iyla's eyes sparkled as she scanned the vibrant selection, overwhelmed by the many colors and designs. Finally, she pointed excitedly. "I wlike these one!"

Nyara followed her gaze to a biscotti-colored car seat adorned with white stars and pink hearts inside. Smiling, she lifted the box and placed it into the cart. "Wow, it's really pretty, Iyla."

As they moved toward the checkout, Nyara noticed Iyla staring at a tan teddy bear with a heart on its foot. Without a second thought, she grabbed it and handed it to her daughter.

Iyla beamed, hugging the plush bear tightly. "Tank sho, Mommy!"

Nyara paid using her black card before they returned to the car. She read the car seat instructions carefully, making sure to install it properly. Meanwhile, Iyla sat in the back, cradling her new teddy bear and watching her mother work. Once the seat was secure, Nyara called her over, buckled her in, and ensured she was comfortable.

"All set?" Nyara asked, adjusting the straps, her fingers gentle.

Iyla grinned. "I wlike my new seat!"

Nyara smiled in relief and got behind the wheel. As they drove home, she kept glancing in the rearview mirror, watching Iyla gaze out the window at the city passing by, her small face filled with wonder.

"What do you want to eat, baby?" Nyara asked, her voice warm.

Before Iyla could respond, she noticed their car slowing in front of another towering building.

"Mommy, what is these?" Iyla asked curiously, her eyes wide.

Nyara parked and turned to her with a soft smile. "This is our home."

As they stepped inside the luxury apartment, Iyla's awe deepened, her small feet carrying her hesitantly forward as she took in the expansive space, the sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Nyara watched her daughter with a warmth spreading through her chest, knowing this was just the beginning of their journey together.