“I think she deserves a chance,” I reply.
“A chance for us to understand who she is, why she’s here.”
There’s a pause, a moment where the room seems to hold its breath.
“We have protocols for outreach,” another administrator says, dismissive.
“This isn’t about protocols,” I interject, frustration creeping into my tone.
“It’s about seeing people, not just problems.”
Silence stretches, the weight of my words hanging between us.
“We’ll take it under consideration,” the lead administrator finally says, his tone noncommittal.
I nod, knowing it’s the best I can hope for today.
As I leave the room, I feel a mix of relief and resignation.
Outside, the cold air is a shock, a reminder of the world beyond these walls.
The snow is still falling, blanketing the hospital grounds in quiet.
I pull my coat tighter, my thoughts returning to the girl.
There’s no neat ending in sight, no easy resolution.
But there’s a sliver of hope, a possibility that wasn’t there before.
Note: This story is a work of fiction inspired by real events. Names, characters, and details have been altered.
