Chapter 220

When Josiah mentioned a date, Sienna asked, "Is there a special occasion?"

Josiah responded with a mysterious smile, "You'll find out that day."

Sienna pondered; her birthday had passed, and his was yet to come. She had loved Josiah for many years and still remembered his birthday. An anniversary? What kind of anniversary would divorced couples celebrate? Unsure, she decided to wait.

On Saturday morning, Josiah dropped Sienna off at the Lightning Dance, reminding her, "Don't forget our date tonight; I'll pick you up." Sienna held back a roll of her eyes—he had reminded her countless times. His persistence only fueled her curiosity about this important day.

That afternoon, while Sienna changed clothes, her phone rang. It was Tara, frantic. "Sienna! Are you busy? Joyce isn't well!"

"What?!" Sienna's heart pounded. "What's wrong with Joyce?"

"She's been vomiting and has diarrhea…"

Sienna felt faint. "I'm calling an ambulance now. Let's meet at the hospital!"

"Okay!"

Sienna quickly dressed and rushed to the hospital, arriving before the ambulance. As it pulled in, Tara emerged, carrying Joyce.

"Joyce!" Sienna hurried over, gently taking Joyce and cradling her. Despite her racing heart, she masked her anxiety. A frightened mother only frightens her child.

"Mommy," Joyce murmured, her eyes shining. "I don't feel good."

"I know, sweetheart," Sienna said, tenderly wiping sweat from Joyce's face. "Hang in there; we'll see the doctor soon."

"Okay," Joyce sniffled, snuggling closer.

"Be a good girl, Joyce, and let the doctor check you," Sienna added.

The doctor diagnosed acute gastroenteritis. Due to Joyce's pre-existing condition, hospitalization was necessary. Sienna called Brayden, Joyce's doctor, who best understood her condition.

Brayden, though off duty, arrived quickly and confirmed the diagnosis. "It's acute gastroenteritis; given Joyce's fragile health, hospitalization is safest."

"Thank you," Sienna breathed, apologizing, "I'm sorry for bothering you."

"Not at all," Brayden replied, smiling. "You did the right thing; call me if Joyce has any issues." He added, "Her condition is manageable; regular follow-ups suffice. Contact me anytime."

"Alright, thank you." After Brayden left, Sienna returned to Joyce's side.

Joyce's eyes were watery, her voice hoarse. "Mommy, are you leaving?"

Joyce's unexpected maturity tugged at Sienna's heart. Wiping her eyes, Sienna held Joyce close. "Mommy isn't going anywhere. I'll stay right here with you, okay?"

Joyce's tear-filled eyes sparkled. "Really? But what if you have things to do?"

"I won't," Sienna reassured her, cradling her gently. "Being with Joyce is more important than anything else."

"Okay!" Joyce smiled, nestled closer.

Meanwhile, Josiah bombarded Sienna's phone with messages. He arrived at the Lightning Dance at 6:00 to pick her up, but her phone was unreachable, and his messages unanswered.

Josiah frowned, confused. He saw Rosie. "Rosie! Has Sienna left yet?"

"Sienna?" Rosie was surprised. "She left nearly an hour ago."

Josiah struggled to remain calm. "Do you know where she went?"

Rosie shook her head. "That's all; she didn't say when she left."

"Thank you."

"Anytime."

Josiah's expression darkened. Sienna left? Where could she have gone? Did something happen? She hadn't mentioned anything.

Ten minutes had passed. He wondered if she remembered their date. He dialed her number again; no answer. He sent a message: Where are you? Is something wrong? Should I come get you? Silence.

Frustration mounted. He reached for a cigarette, finding a box of throat lozenges instead—Sienna had urged him to quit. Annoyed, he popped a lozenge in his mouth, grimacing. It tasted sickeningly sweet. And where was Sienna?

His irritation morphed into worry. Sienna had faced a creepy taxi driver and been kidnapped recently. He feared something had happened again. He dialed repeatedly; no answer. Dark thoughts clouded his mind. If he couldn't reach her, he'd call the police.

At the hospital, Joyce slept peacefully.

Tara whispered, "You must be exhausted. You haven't eaten. I'll stay—go get something."

"Okay," Sienna nodded, grabbing her bag. She checked her phone—97 missed calls and over 99 unread messages—all from Josiah.

Panic surged; she remembered their date. "Tara, I need to leave Joyce in your care. I have something urgent to handle."

"Alright."

Sienna rushed out, dialing Josiah's number.

He answered immediately, his voice low, filled with anger and worry. "Sienna? Where are you? Are you okay?!"

His worry startled Sienna. "Yes, I'm alright."

Her voice eased his tension, replaced by frustration. "Where did you go? What could possibly be more important than our date, more important than me?"