Chapter 5 - The Aftermath
The hospital was a blur of white light and cold needles. Ethan drifted in and out of consciousness, his mind filled with the memories of the closet, the cold, and the sound of the wind rattling the window of 3B.
When he finally woke, a social worker was sitting by his bed. Her name was Ms. Davis, and she looked tired, but kind.
"Where are they?" Ethan asked, his voice raw.
"They’re safe, Ethan," she said softly. "They’re in a temporary home together. They’re getting food, warmth, and care."
"Together?" he repeated, his heart hammering.
"Yes. We understand the situation. The police have been looking for your mother. We haven't found her yet, but the investigation is ongoing."
Ethan felt a massive wave of relief. He reached out and grabbed Ms. Davis’s hand. "Don't let them split us up. Please."
"We’re doing everything we can, Ethan. You’re a hero, you know that? Most people couldn't have kept those children alive that long."
He wasn't a hero. He was just a brother.
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The story hit the news the next day. It was everywhere. The Children of Willow Street. The public was outraged. People were calling for blood, for the mother to be found, for justice. Ethan didn't want justice. He wanted to sleep. He wanted to know that Ben had eaten enough, that Sophie’s fever was gone, that Lily was finally playing again.
A few days later, he was moved to a recovery facility where he could finally see them. The reunion was silent. They just clung to each other, a ball of tangled limbs and tears. No words were needed. They had survived the abyss, and they were still a unit.
