The doctor, an experienced woman in her fifties, examined Sofia thoroughly—taking her temperature, listening to her lungs.
"102.56 degrees Fahrenheit," she said. "It's a high fever, but it looks like it's from a common cold. No other serious symptoms."
Anna let out a relieved breath, though worry still lingered. "She'll be alright?"
"Yes," the doctor said with a smile. "Kids recover quickly. We'll bring the fever down and keep an eye on her for a few hours."
A nurse came in to administer a fever-reducing shot and settled Sofia into a bed in the observation room.
I stayed by their side the whole time, handling the paperwork and calming Anna.
"She'll be fine," I said softly to her. "The doctor said it's just a cold."
Anna sat at the bedside, holding Sofia's small hand tightly, tears glistening in her eyes.
"I was so scared," she admitted. "She's my everything... if anythinghappened to her..."
"It won't," I assured her, stepping closer and gently patting her shoulder. "She's going to be okay."
Just then, the doctor returned to check on Sofia.
"The medication is working," she said. "Her temperature's down to 100 degrees. Another hour of observation, and you can take her home."
Then she looked at us with a warm smile. "You have a very well-behaved daughter. And you," she added, turning to me, "you're a great father—staying so calm through all this."
Anna and I both froze.
An awkward silence filled the room.
The doctor seemed to sense the tension but didn't comment, just gave some final instructions and left.
"I'll go pick up the medication," Anna said suddenly, standing up. "Could you... stay with her for a bit?"
"Of course."
Anna hurried out of the room, leaving me alone with Sofia.
The fever was subsiding; her color was improving. She opened her eyes, looking a little dazed.
"Alex?" Her voice was soft and weak.
"I'm here," I said, sitting down beside the bed. "Feeling any better?"
"Yeah... my head doesn't hurt as much," she said, then asked, "Where's Mommy?"
"She's getting your medicine. She'll be back soon."
Sofia nodded, falling quiet for a moment.
Then she turned to me, her brown eyes holding a seriousness far beyond her years.
"Alex," she said softly. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
She hesitated, then whispered, "Could... could you be my daddy?"
My heart nearly stopped.
