Two hours later, the quiet atmosphere of the hospital room was broken only by the steady, soothing rhythmic beep of the heart monitor.
Doctor Vance: Mr. Sterling? I have the X-ray results for Clara.
Arthur: How is she, Doctor?
Doctor Vance: She's a very lucky little girl. She suffered a hairline fracture in her left ankle and some minor bruising, but there's no internal bleeding or spinal damage.
Arthur: Thank God...
Doctor Vance: She'll need to wear a walking cast for six weeks, but she'll make a complete recovery.
Arthur: Can I see her now?
Doctor Vance: She's awake and asking for you in Room 304.
Arthur walked down the brightly lit corridor, pushing open the heavy door to find Clara resting under a blue blanket, a small stuffed bear tucked under her arm.
Clara: Daddy?
Arthur: Hey, my brave girl. How are you feeling?
Clara: My foot feels heavy with this boot on.
Arthur: That boot is going to help you heal up fast. The doctor says you're going to be totally fine.
Clara: Is... is she coming back to the house?
Arthur: No, Clara. She is never coming back. Ever.
Clara: Promise?
Arthur: I promise on my life. It's just going to be you, me, and Mrs. Gable from now on.
Clara: Can we go home soon?
Arthur: Tomorrow morning. And we're going to fix up the garden just the way you like it.
Clara leaned her head against her father's shoulder, her small hand closing tightly around his thumb as she finally let out a long, peaceful breath.
Arthur: Sleep now, sweetheart. Daddy's standing guard.
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