"Sofia has a high fever," her voice trembled on the edge of tears. "She was fine last night, but this morning... she's burning up. I need to get her to the hospital, but I can't find the car keys..."
I glanced at Sofia. Her cheeks were bright red like apples, her eyes dull and glazed from the fever.
"I'll drive you," I said, already pulling out my keys.
"No, I can—"
"Anna," I interrupted firmly. "This isn't the time to be stubborn. Sofia needs to get to the hospital now, and my car's right here."
She looked at her daughter, then at me, and finally nodded.
"Thank you," she whispered.
I hurried to my car, opening the back door. Anna carefully settled in with Sofia, and I fastened their seatbelts.
"Where's the nearest hospital?" I asked, starting the engine.
"St. Mary Hospital, on Fifth Avenue," Anna replied. "Do you know how to get there?"
"Yeah."
I floored the accelerator, speeding away from the driveway.
Throughout the drive, Anna held Sofia tightly, gently stroking her forehead and murmuring soothing words.
"It's okay, baby, we'll be at the hospital soon... Mommy's right here, everything's going to be fine..."
But I could hear the tremor in her voice.
Sofia was drowsy in her arms, coughing sporadically.
"Was she okay last night?" I asked.
"Yes," Anna said. "After swimming, I gave her a hot bath and some warm milk... she just seemed a bit tired. But this morning..."
Her voice broke.
"It's all my fault. I shouldn't have taken her swimming... I should have noticed her sneezing... I should have..."
"It's not your fault," I said firmly. "Kids get sick—it's normal. You've been doing an amazing job."
I glanced at them in the rearview mirror, a powerful wave of protectiveness surging through me.
This was my daughter, my woman. I wouldn't let anything harm them.
Ten minutes later, we arrived at St. Mary Hospital.
I pulled up right at the emergency entrance, jumped out, and opened the back door.
"Let me carry her," I said.
Anna hesitated for a moment, but seeing the determination in my eyes, she handed Sofia over.
Sofia felt so light and fragile in my arms, her little body scorching hot. It twisted something inside me.
"Come on," I said, striding quickly into the emergency room.
We were ushered into an exam room right away.
