Ash's POV
It took over thirty minutes to leave the hospital.
Because of Alia.
I stood there, leaning against the wall, watching my little sister personally say goodbye to every living organism in the building.
Including, I'm pretty sure, a potted plant.
"I'm going to miss you," she said dramatically to one of the nurses. "But don't worry, I'll come visit."
The nurse sniffled like she might actually cry. "I'll be waiting," she said.
"Did she build a fanbase while we were here?" I muttered.
Marcus, beside me, let out a quiet laugh. "At this point, I think she runs the place."
Honestly, we tried to leave five times.
And every single time… "Ash, wait! I didn't say goodbye to her!"
Or:
"Marcus, hold this, I need to hug someone!"
"I forgot to thank the woman that gave me extra pudding last week!"
I dragged a hand down my face. "This child is unbelievable."
We finally made it to the pediatric section. The moment those kids saw her….. "Alia!"
