Chapter 9 - The Family We Choose
That afternoon, Erin walked down the sunny corridor of the pediatric wing toward Room 412.
She pushed the door open softly.
Little Maya sat up in her hospital bed, surrounded by stuffed animals, colorful get-well cards, and a massive bowl of chocolate ice cream. Her leg was cast, but her face was full of bright, healthy color.
Sitting in an armchair beside the bed was Commander Graham Mercer, reading a storybook out loud in a ridiculous animated voice.
On the floor beside the bed lay Atlas, his tail thump-thump-thumping happily against the linoleum as soon as he saw Erin step into the room.
"Erin!" Maya cheered, waving her spoon in the air. "Look! The doggie's owner bought me ice cream!"
Erin walked over to the bed, kissing the little girl gently on her forehead. "How are you feeling, sweetie?"
"My leg feels itchy, but Commander Mercer says that means the magic bone is growing back," Maya announced proudly.
Mercer closed the storybook, looking up at Erin with a warm, gentle smile. "Her aunt arrived from Europe two hours ago, Erin. She's staying at a hotel down the street. Maya is going to be completely fine."
Erin let out a soft, happy breath, leaning against the bed frame.
Atlas stood up, stepping over to Erin and resting his heavy head against her side. Erin wrapped her arm around the big shepherd's neck, burying her face in his soft fur.
"Mercer," Erin said quietly. "Thank you. For not letting me stay hidden."
Mercer stood up, resting his hand gently on Erin's shoulder. "A compass doesn't work when it's locked in a box, Erin. It's meant to guide people through the storm."
He pulled a small velvet box from his pocket and placed it into her hand.
Erin opened it. Inside lay a polished gold pin—the official insignia of the Strategic Rescue Corps, but with a small silver star added beneath the wing.
"The Corps is establishing a permanent civilian training liaison at North Ridge for your new unit," Mercer explained. "I'm retiring from field duty next month. The board voted unanimously to name you as the regional liaison."
Erin looked at the gold pin, then at Mercer's kind face. "Does that mean I'm going to be seeing a lot of you?"
May you like
"Only when I bring Atlas in for his monthly visits," Mercer smiled. "He refuses to eat his kibble unless you approve it anyway."
Maya giggled from the bed, and even Atlas let out a happy bark, as if agreeing with every word.
