Chapter 7 - THE WAKE-UP CALLA soft groan came from the hospital bed.
I looked up instantly, jumping to my feet and rushing to Sophie's side. Her eyelids fluttered open, blinking against the bright morning light filtering through the vertical blinds.
"Mommy?" she whispered, her voice raspy.
"I'm right here, sweetheart. I'm right here," I said, gently brushing a stray curl away from her uninjured temple, taking immense care not to disturb the white bandage covering her stitches.
Sophie tried to sit up, wincing slightly as a wave of dizziness hit her. I immediately reached behind her, adjusting the bed controls to elevate her back into a comfortable sitting position.
"How do you feel, baby?"
"My head hurts like a monster," she admitted, her big brown eyes looking up at me with heartbreaking vulnerability. "Mommy... are we still at the wedding?"
"No, sweetie. We're at the hospital," I smiled gently, offering her a cup of ice water with a flexible straw. "Do you want some water?"
She took a small sip, letting out a soft sigh of relief as the cool liquid touched her throat. "Uncle Preston was really mad at me."
"He wasn't mad at you, honey," I said, my voice firm and reassuring. "He was mad at himself. And guess what? The police are taking very good care of him right now so he can never, ever hurt anyone in our family again."
Sophie's eyes widened. "Is he in trouble?"
"Big trouble," I nodded, smoothing down her hospital blanket. "And you know what else? You were the bravest little girl in the entire world last night. I am so proud to be your mom."
A small, hesitant smile touched the corners of Sophie's lips. "Did we win?"
I chuckled softly, leaning down to press a warm kiss against her forehead. "Oh, baby girl... we didn't just win. We completely changed the game."
Just then, a soft knock echoed at the open door of the hospital room.
I turned to see Detective Vance standing in the doorway, holding a large, brightly colored cartoon gift bag with a yellow smiley face on it. He smiled warmly, stepping inside.
"Mind if I drop in on our star witness?" Detective Vance asked, holding up the bag.
Sophie’s eyes lit up. "Are you a real police officer?"
"Guilty as charged," Detective Vance laughed softly, walking over and setting the bag gently on her bedside table. "I brought you a little something from the precinct team. It’s got a coloring book, some Crayola super-tips, and a puzzle of a golden retriever puppy."
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Sophie peeked inside, gasping with delight. "Thank you, mister policeman!"
"You're very welcome, young lady," Detective Vance said, before looking up at me with a serious, professional glint in his eye. "Mrs. Vance, can I speak with you in the hallway for a moment? We have an important development regarding your brother's arraignment."
