Page 88 of Roaring Fork Rockstar

I moved toward the doorway, my father following quietly behind me.

I heard Luna’s sniffling response. “She said it tasted like old socks.”

“That’s right. And remember how she felt afterward? All wobbly and sad?”

“She cried,” Luna said softly. “And Shimmer came to help her.”

“Exactly. She told Sparkles something very important. Do you remember what it was?”

A pause, then Luna’s voice, steadier now. “That it’s okay to cry. And it’s okay to be upset.”

“That’s right,” Holt confirmed. “The important thing is that when you feel upset or scared, you lean on the people who love you and let them help make you feel better.”

Luna’s voice dropped to a whisper I could barely hear. “Do you love me, Mr. Holt?”

My breathing stopped. Her question carried a weight that made the room grow still. I waited, motionless, for his answer.

“Yes, Luna,” Holt replied without hesitation. “I love you very much.”

“I love you too.” The certainty in her voice brought fresh tears to my eyes.

My father squeezed my shoulder, drawing me away from the doorway. “That man loves both of you,” he said quietly. “You know this, yes?”

Words failed me, my throat too tight to speak.

“It scares you,” my father observed, his eyes gentle.

“Everything scares me right now, Dad.”

“That’s normal,mija.” His weathered hand patted mine. “But don’t let fear of one pain make you miss out on something wonderful.”

Within the hour, we were on our way to Gunnison Valley Hospital. Luna sat quietly between her stuffed animals in the backseat, her small hand clutching mine.

When we arrived at the hospital, Dr. Patel was waiting for us. He greeted my daughter with a warm smile and a high five. “Hello there, Miss Luna. Ready for round two?”

Luna took a deep breath. “I’m scared, but I’m being brave.”

“You know what?” he said, leaning closer. “The best people I know still get scared sometimes.”

“Even Mr. Holt?” Luna glanced up at him.

Holt crouched down to her level. “Especially me.”

The nurse led us to a room similar to one Luna had been in on a previous stay. She immediately went to the windowsill, where she arranged her stuffed animals, carefully positioning Sparkles and Shimmer beside Bunny.

“They’re keeping watch,” she explained seriously.

Dr. Patel walked in with another doctor, and they explained that they would be inserting Luna’s IV shortly. I sat beside her on the bed, feeling her small body tense.

“Can I do something first?” Luna asked Dr. Patel.

“Of course.”

Luna held out her arms, and I gathered her close, breathing in her sweetness. Then she reached for Holt, who wrapped his strong arms around both of us, creating a circle of warmth and love.

“We’re ready,” Luna said finally, her voice small but determined.

I stood, allowing the medical team to do their jobs, but kept hold of Luna’s hand. Holt positioned himself on her other side, pulling a chair close to the bed.

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