Cecilia didn't move from hope's bedside while their mothers spoke with each other, and an officer,

“ you have nothing to worry about, the insurance will take care of any money issues regarding the house-” the officer gently stroked her arm, “ as for your daughter, the hospital wants to keep her for a bit.”

“ they think my little girl has gone off the deep end, but why?” her tears started to fall, like gentle rain drops coming to kiss their sweet dew babies a good morning, “ I know she hasn't been talking to Cecilia, but could that really be a reason to try and kill herself?” Leigh-ann firmly hugged her, and said,

“ You know kids, everything is ten times worse than what it is, but the key is to go through the summer day as though it were the fire. You can't tell them the outcome because they only see what's right in front of them.”

“ I know, I know but I just can’t wrap my head around it.”

“ You are a mom, there’s nothing you could have done if she didn’t come to you. She’s alive, and safe. Right now she needs to see you be strong, you are her rock, and she needs you more than ever.”

“ Lee, what would I ever do without you?”

“ You were doing fine all on your own, I'm just here to support you.” the hug becomes more gentle as Leigh-ann removes an arm to softly caress her cheek, giving her a tender kiss on the forehead, “ you're a wonderful mother, and an amazing person, Francine.” After one last tight hug they go to the vending machine to get drinks.

“ I'm glad you came, Lee. This is so hard, but you make everything easier somehow.” she chuckled as she pressed the button for a sprite.

“ I'm glad too, so quick question.” stepping forward to the machine.

“ go.”

“ Where are you going to stay?”

“ the insurance is paying for a hotel for a while, and I've been scratching for places to stay until the house is completely rebuilt.”

“ stay with us, hope and Cecilia can make up, and you and I can-”

“ Yes! I would love that, you're the best.” she pounces into a hug, nearly spilling her soda. They shared the moment with laughter, meanwhile, Cecilia sat patiently at Hope's side. A nurse walks in to check up on her,

“ Why hello there, is this your friend?” Cici didn't say anything, but the nurse could see the fear in her, “ she's going to be okay, you know. Just some burns, nothing we can't fix.”

“ her mind.” Cecilia whispered.

“ What was that?”

“ her mind, she's lost it.”

“ What- no, it was an accident, dear.”

“ no, she was trying to kill herself. I didn't mean it, I just needed time to think! I JUST NEEDED SOME TIME!”

“ It's okay, don't be upset. I'm sure you guys can talk it out when she wakes up-”

“ No, you don't understand.”

“ you're right, I'm just a nurse, anyway.” she slowly reaches over hope to check the machine she was plugged into, “ okay, all good.” turning to cici she says, “ now, I'm hoping to give her a bath, so if you don't want to see a her naked-”

in an offended tone, “ I'm blind.” it was like a knife jabbing the nurse,

“ I'm sorry.”

“ I'll leave.”

She pulls out her walking stick and makes her away into the waiting room. Feeling the walls to read the signs, she runs into her mom,

“ oh, sweetie! I got some news for you.”

“ What's that?”

“ Hope and her mom are going to stay with us!”

“ what?”