Chapter 4: The Arrival of the Father
Anika’s pulse quickened as she watched the truck approach. It wasn’t the flashing lights of emergency vehicles or the usual supply trucks that rolled through the hospital parking lot. This vehicle was a plain, dark-colored pickup, moving slowly through the rain-slicked pavement. Its headlights glowed faintly in the mist, and it made its way toward the entrance with a steady, deliberate pace.
Her instinct told her something wasn’t right. She turned back toward the Trauma One doors, eyes searching for anything unusual. Evan, still unconscious and wrapped in blankets, seemed peaceful for now. But the unease in Anika’s chest grew with each passing second.
“Dr. Sorel,” a voice interrupted her thoughts. It was Parker, the Animal Control officer, standing near the window. “You’re not thinking of letting that bear go, are you?”
Anika shook her head, her eyes still on the truck. “No, but I need to know who’s arriving.” She glanced back at Parker. “It’s not a coincidence.”
The bear, still positioned under the canopy, hadn’t moved since the moment it had dropped Evan off. Its eyes, now more focused than ever, locked onto the truck. Anika couldn’t help but notice how still it had become. It was like it knew what was coming. Or like it had been waiting for this moment.
Parker sighed and stepped closer to the window. “I’ll go out there with you,” she said, her voice steady but wary. “Just to be sure.”
Anika nodded, but before they could move, the truck stopped near the hospital entrance. The engine cut off with a finality that echoed through the lot. For a moment, there was only the sound of the rain hitting the pavement, and then the door of the truck opened. A man stepped out.
He was tall, in his early forties, with a neatly trimmed beard and a sharp-looking coat that contrasted the dreariness of the weather. His eyes were sharp too, scanning the area as if he were trying to take it all in.
“Let’s go meet him,” Anika said quietly, as a chill ran down her spine. Something about the way he looked around, as though he was expecting the bear’s gaze, unsettled her.
They walked outside, the wet pavement reflecting the dim light from the hospital. As they approached, the man straightened, his expression a mixture of anxiety and concern.
“I’m Daniel Rowe,” he said smoothly, holding up a piece of paper. “I’m here for my son, Evan Rowe.”
Anika’s eyes narrowed. The name on the paper matched the boy’s chart, but something about Rowe’s demeanor didn’t sit right with her. She studied his face closely. His calmness seemed rehearsed, too controlled.
He seemed too eager, too familiar.
“How did you know where he was?” Anika asked, trying to sound casual, though suspicion hung heavy in her voice.
Rowe blinked, momentarily taken aback. “I’ve been searching all night. I heard he was brought here.” He hesitated but quickly added, “I’m his father. I need to see him.”
Anika glanced at Parker, who was observing quietly from a few feet away. “I’m afraid that’s not possible right now,” Anika said firmly, her gut telling her to proceed with caution.
Daniel Rowe’s gaze shifted toward the hospital doors. He seemed to relax a little, but only just.
As he spoke, the bear in the distance huffed, its massive frame still, but now tense. It exhaled heavily, watching Rowe with a focus that sent an odd shiver through Anika.
Something wasn’t right. And the closer Rowe got to the doors, the more that feeling grew.
To be continued…