132 ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

Isabella continues to walk fast despite Luke’s warning that she should take it slowly, their footsteps echoing off the sterile walls. She felt they had been walking for eternity, as Madison had already been moved to another room. And though the smell of strong hospital antiseptics nauseates her, the thought of seeing Madison awake was her only focus. Panic gripped Isabella's heart as they neared Madison's room. When Ethan had called thirty minutes ago, she had dropped all she was doing to rush down to the hospital to see for herself. She tried to stop her racing heartbeat as she took several deep breaths to contain her happiness. "Madison!" Isabella exclaimed as soon as they crossed the threshold of the ward. She could hardly contain the mix of worry and excitement that etched her face as she saw Madison truly awake and seated. At the corner of her eyes, she saw Ethan pacing awkwardly in the room; he paused to acknowledge them while Olivia hovered nearby, fussing over Madison, ad