EXT. CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL – DAY

Under an overcast sky a sign reads “CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL” and indicates the way that emergency vehicles should go. Small figures, some in scrubs, can be seen walking to and from the building.

INT. CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL - PSYCH WARD WAITING ROOM - CONT.

A middle-aged woman is waiting on bright colorful modern furniture in front of a mural featuring a large purple octopus. A woman in a white coat comes through the door and beckons, and the first woman collects her purse, rises, and follows her into the door and passing a sign that reads “PSYCHIATRIC AND BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE UNIT - STAFF WILL ASSIST YOU BEYOND THIS POINT”. They pass through two sets of doors and have to stop to be buzzed through the second.

INT. CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL - PSYCH WARD - CONT.

KAIA, age 10, is sitting near a window in a room that looks a little like a youth center. There’s a TV playing cartoons in one area and a few kids sitting separately, alternately writing in journals or sitting still. There’s an air of sadness over them all contrasted by the noisy television.

The lady approaches still accompanied by the staff member.

LADY

(leaning down, patronizing)

Kaia, sweetie, you’ve gotten so big. You probably don’t remember me. I’m your Aunt Lydia. Did you know you’re getting out today?

Kaia looks up at her, a little overwhelmed, and nods once. Lydia grimaces slightly, having run out of things to say and not accustomed to the silence.

STAFF

Come on, Kaia, let’s collect your things.

The three of them leave the room. None of the other kids move or say anything as the TV blares on.

INT. CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL - PATIENT DISCHARGE - CONT.

Kaia is seated on another brightly colored piece of furniture as Lydia stands near a desk answering questions as another staff worker fills out discharge paperwork on the computer. She turns and sees, down the hallway, 4 SMALL KITTENS standing there.

At first surprised and then uncertain, Kaia searches for an adult and makes eye contact with another staff member seated behind the counter, at a position where she can’t see out into the hallway. Seeing the girl’s confused expression the staff member gives her a reassuring smile.

Kaia looks down, now self aware, and then turns to look back down the hallway. The kittens are gone.

Written by a human without AI. Cover image made with Midjourney.

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