23 Scaredy-cat

Little Eve looked forward to spending the time with her father, wondering what fun thing they will be doing together.

But all that was crushed into shambles harshly when she was handed to a friendly, smiling doctor when her father brought her over to the hospital.

The doctor, named John, brought her to the office. He let her sit on the couch and left her with snacks, leaving clear instructions on how she couldn't step out.

He threatened her that the doctors out there will be poking her with needles if she left the room. She almost rolled her eyes at how silly it sounded.

And now, almost three hour in this room tired her out. She played with her tablet enough. Pouting, she swung her legs back and forth, kicking the table before her.

As more time passed by, the angrier she felt, and this made her want to create a fuss. Why would her father ask her to spend time with him only to abandon her in this manner?

Although she was ordered to not leave the room, the limit to her patience ran out. Convincing herself that it will only drive her crazy to remain enclosed here, she took small steps towards the door.

Carefully, she turned the knob and peeked out of the room.

She didn't have much memories when it came to the hospital, but the ones she had involvement of doctors and needles. Because of that, she had a persistent fear of doctor etched on to her.

This is what made her father intimidating to her.

Closing the door behind her, she looked at her either sides. She decided to roam the hospital hallways for a little while before heading back to the office.

Seeing a nurse pushing a trolley by her side, she pressed herself against the wall, trying to make herself seem small. She raised her head to see the serious faced doctors moving around, followed by nurses.

This atmosphere made her feel nervous.

She wanted to go back home.

Thinking about it made almost tears form in her eyes. Did her father forget about her being here?

What if he left without her?

She didn't even have his number.

Just when her thoughts were only driving her to depression, she felt a pair of hand hold on to her shoulder before a childish voice exclaimed into her ear.

"Boo!"

That startled the absentminded Evelyn, causing her to squeal and jump in her position. When she turned back, she heard the burst of laughter.

"You should look at your face! What a scaredy-cat!" exclaimed the excited boy.

Evelyn raised her head. Recognition flashed in her round eyes, glistening with unshed tears.

It was the naughty boy, Edgar.

Edgar wished to laugh more, but he noticed how she teared up, it made the little boy panic. He never intended for her to cry.

"Wait. Wait. Don't cry. Are you a baby? How can you cry over this small matter?" he voiced out, showing his disapproval and nervousness at same time.

This made Evelyn irritated at his misunderstanding. Obviously, such a small thing wouldn't make her cry.

It was her father's matter that attacked the sensitive portion of her heart, making her involuntarily tear up.

But before she was able to correct him, he reached out into his pocket and handed her a handkerchief. She suspiciously stared at it before moving her gaze to his face.

He hissed, "Wipe your tears with this."

Although the gesture made her feel awkward, she accepted his kind intentions, thinking this child shouldn't be that bad.

While she wiped away the remnants of the tears, he arrogantly added, "Remember that only losers cry. Cool people like me don't cry."

He held his head high.

The corner of her lips twitched at the dramatic child.

"What are you doing here?" she questioned.

"My grandpa brought me here. I didn't want to be here. It's too boring. But he forced me. So, I ran away from him."

The last sentence was said proudly as though he expected praises.

"Your grandpa will be worried about you then," she pointed out.

He scoffed.

"Let him worry. Who told me to bring me here?"

And then, as an idea appeared in his head, those eyes of his had a glint in them— most likely from thinking something mischievous.

His lips curved up as he asked, "Do you want to do something fun?"