Heart Of Atlantis

It was morning, David packed his things, his mind already focused on getting back to New York. He caught a cab to the airport, his thoughts bouncing between the journey to Atlantis and the need to check on Elina.

 A few hours later, David landed in New York. Without wasting a moment, he headed straight to the hospital where Elina was being treated.

 As he approached the entrance, he noticed a commotion. An ambulance had just pulled up, and paramedics were rushing a little girl on a stretcher into the emergency room. The girl was about the same age as Elina, and the sight made his heart clench. He knew all too well the fear and desperation that must be consuming the girl's parents at that moment. David paused, watching as the emergency staff hurriedly wheeled the girl inside. The scene stirred a deep sense of empathy in him, reminding him just how fragile life can be. Shaking off the heavy thoughts, he took a deep breath and continued into the hospital, his focus back on Elina.

 Entering Elina's room, he felt a wave of relief all over him, she looked better than when he last saw her. And she was awake. 

 "Hey, little pumpkin," David said, a smile breaking through the tension that had gripped him.

 "Dad! You came back!" Elina's face lit up, and she reached out for him.

 "Of course I did," David replied, taking her hand. "I told you I'd be here, didn't I?"

 Elina beamed. "I missed you, Dad."

 "I missed you too," David said warmly. "And I see you're getting stronger every day."

 Elina nodded with a bit more energy. "The nurse said I'm doing well."

 David glanced at Nurse Pearson, who nodded reassuringly. "She's a fighter," the nurse warmly said. "And she's been talking a lot about ice cream."

 David squeezed Elina's hand gently. I haven't forgotten your crave for ice cream. As soon as you're out of here, we're getting the biggest one in town.

 Elina grinned. "With sprinkles?"

 "With sprinkles," David confirmed, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

 Elina's face lit up with a broad smile. "Can we go to the park too?"

 "Absolutely," David promised. "We'll do everything you want."

 For a while, they simply enjoyed each other's company. David felt a rare peace, soaking in these moments with his daughter. 

 After some time, Nurse Pearson gently reminded David that Elina needed her rest. As she tucked Elina in, David leaned in and kissed her forehead. Sleep well, pumpkin. I'll be right here when you wake up. 

 David watched as Nurse Pearson gently adjusted Elina's blanket. She had been so attentive, so kind, and Elina had clearly grown fond of her. As Elina drifted off to sleep, Nurse Pearson quietly motioned for David to step outside, giving Elina the space she needed.

 Stepping out into the hallway, David turned to Nurse Pearson. "Thank you for everything you've done for her," he said, his voice thick with emotion, I know it hasn't been easy, but you've made a world of difference." Nurse Pearson smiled warmly, her eyes softening as she looked at him. "It's my pleasure, David. Elina's a strong girl, just like her father. And she's been a joy to care for."

 David was moved by her words. Without thinking, he pulled her into a gentle hug. For a moment, they stood there, sharing an unspoken understanding.

 "Thank you," David murmured again, his voice barely above a whisper.

 Nurse Pearson pulled back just enough to look up at him, her eyes reflecting the warmth of her smile. "You're welcome, David.

 After a brief pause, David pulled back, a bit flustered. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."

 "It's okay," Nurse Pearson replied softly. "We all need a little comfort sometimes."

 David nodded, grateful. He wasn't sure what was happening between them, but right now, all that mattered was that Elina was safe and cared for. David cleared his throat, trying to ease the tension that lingered after the unexpected hug.

 He cleared his throat, shifting focus. "There's something I need to tell you."

 Nurse Pearson gave him her full attention. "I'm going on a journey," David began. "It's important, and it's about Elina's well-being, but I'll be back soon. I just need you to keep an eye on Elina while I'm gone."

 Nurse Pearson's expression grew concerned. "Have you told Elina?"

 David hesitated. "Not yet, but I will."

 "You should tell her soon," Nurse Pearson advised gently. "She needs to hear it from you."

 David nodded, appreciating her understanding. "I will. Thank you."

 As they stood in the quiet hallway, Nurse Pearson added, "Just make sure you come back safely."

 "I will," David promised. 

 Just then, Nurse Pearson remembered something. "Oh, David, your sister Rachel stopped by earlier. She was looking for you, she seemed worried."

 David's brows furrowed. "Was Rachel here? Did she say where she was going?"

 "No, but she was eager to find you. Maybe you should give her a call," Nurse Pearson suggested.

 David nodded, yes I will. 

 David stood by the window, lost in thought as he waited for Rachel, after calling her to say that she should come to the hospital. When she finally arrived, her face was a mix of relief and fear. She approached him quickly, her voice trembling with urgency. "David, I was so afraid that you might have already left. Please, don't go, she pleaded. We can find another way to save Elina."

 David turned to face her, his expression resolute. "Rachel, I can't just stand by and do nothing. The doctor said Elina's chances were fifty-fifty. I'm not willing to risk her life by waiting."

 Rachel's eyes filled with tears as she stepped closer, her voice pleading. "But David, you're all I have left. After Mom and Dad… I can't lose you too. Chasing Dad's old dreams won't save Elina. We can figure something else out together. Please, you don't have to leave."

 David's gaze softened, but his resolve didn't waver. "Rachel, it's not about Dad's dreams, it is about saving my little girl. And talking about dreams, I found out something important. Dad wasn't just obsessed with the sea. He was on a mission, working for someone. I found a letter in our old house. This is bigger than we ever knew."

 Rachel looked down, her shoulders slumping as she confessed, "I knew, David. But I only figured it out after Mom died. She never told us, probably because she wanted to protect us. I thought keeping you safe was more important than dragging you into whatever Dad was involved in."

 David's anger flared momentarily. "You should have told me, Rachel. We're supposed to face these things together. How could you keep this from me?"

 Rachel's voice broke as she replied, "I thought I was doing the right thing… but now, I just want to protect what's left of our family. David, please, don't leave. I need you here."

 David took a deep breath, his anger fading as he looked at his sister's tearful face. But at that we are family you are supposed to let me know.

 Rachel, "I'm sorry David, please forgive me." 

 David, "I forgive you Rachel, but that doesn't stop me from going."

 Rachel's voice was barely a whisper, her heart heavy with the fear of losing her brother. "I can't stop you, can I?"

 David shook his head gently. "No, you can't. But I promise, I'll be back. But In the meantime, please always check on Elina. She will need you."

 Rachel nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I will, David. I promise."