Chapter 26 - Sophie's Legacy
While the operating rooms remained busy, Adrian wandered into the small hospital chapel carrying Sophie's bracelet.
The room was empty.
Sunlight finally broke through the stained-glass windows as the storm moved farther east.
He sat in the last pew.
For several minutes he simply looked at the bracelet resting in his palm.
Then he unfolded Sophie's letter once again.
The paper had become softer from repeated handling.
He read every line slowly.
"If I get better..."
His voice faltered.
"...let's go see the ocean."
He smiled through tears.
"You never did."
The chapel door opened quietly.
His assistant stepped inside.
"I thought you might be here."
She sat beside him.
"I've contacted every regional office."
"And?"
"They're asking when the foundation officially resumes operations."
Adrian looked at Sophie's letter.
"Today."
She smiled.
"They'll be very happy."
"No."
He gently folded the paper.
"They'll be very busy."
His assistant laughed softly.
"That's probably true."
Adrian stood.
"I don't want the foundation to become what it was."
"What do you mean?"
"It helped children after families found us."
He looked toward the pediatric wing.
"I want us to find them first."
His assistant nodded immediately.
"We can build that."
"No child should lose treatment because of geography."
"We'll make that the first program."
"No child should wait because paperwork travels slower than illness."
"I'll write the policy."
"And every parent should know they don't have to face hospital hallways alone."
His assistant smiled.
"Sophie would approve."
Adrian looked toward the window.
"I hope so."
At that exact moment his phone vibrated.
Dr. Harrow.
He answered immediately.
"Ethan is stable."
Adrian closed his eyes in relief.
"But..."
Harrow continued.
May you like
"We're moving Lucia into surgery now."
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