Chapter 20: The Name That Matters

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[Hospital Room – Afternoon]
Aria lies unconscious on the hospital bed, her face pale, bandages covering her forehead and arm. The steady beep of the heart monitor echoes in the silent room.
The door creaks open. Eliza steps inside, carrying Aurora in her arms. The little girl’s eyes are red from crying.
Aurora Walton
Aurora Walton
*Softly, reaching out* Daddy…?
Eliza hesitates but walks toward the bed, sitting down beside Aria. Aurora wriggles out of her hold and carefully climbs onto the bed, settling next to Aria.
Aurora Walton
Aurora Walton
*Sniffles, patting Aria’s cheek lightly* Daddy, wake up…
Eliza Walton
Eliza Walton
*Firmly but gently* Baby, don’t call her that.
Aurora Walton
Aurora Walton
*Frowning, confused* But… she is my daddy.
Eliza Walton
Eliza Walton
*Sighs, stroking Aurora’s hair* Baby, Aria is a woman, just like mommy. You should call her something else.
Aurora Walton
Aurora Walton
*Shaking her head, stubbornly* No! She’s my daddy! She saved me! She hugs me when I cry, she takes care of me, she even feeds me. That’s what a daddy does, right?
Eliza opens her mouth to argue but stops. Aurora’s tiny hands are gripping Aria’s hospital gown tightly, her little body trembling.
Aurora Walton
Aurora Walton
*Tears streaming down her cheeks* I want my daddy… please wake up…
Suddenly, a weak, raspy voice cuts through the air.
Aria Knight
Aria Knight
*Hoarse whisper* Who… is crying?
Eliza's breath catches. Aurora gasps, her teary eyes widening as Aria’s fingers twitch slightly.
Aurora Walton
Aurora Walton
*Sobbing in relief, hugging Aria’s arm* Daddy! You’re awake!
Aria blinks slowly, her vision blurry. But the moment she hears Aurora call her ‘Daddy,’ a faint, tired smile tugs at her lips.
Aria Knight
Aria Knight
*Weakly, voice barely above a whisper*:Of course… I’d wake up… my little one… was calling me.
Eliza watches, stunned. Aurora clings to Aria, snuggling close. And for the first time, despite everything, despite logic—Eliza says nothing.
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To Be Continued.....

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