Dissociated from reality, a numbness had filled the girls. All the regimen and routine had deteriorated almost like it shattered with those traumatizing words. Those 4 words that had changed everything...

"Ava, breakfast", hissed Martha. She had been in her room for nearly ten minutes now but Ava was more interested in her bed.

*meeting her glare* "No", she spluttered.

"It's been a week  now, regimen or Lauren's gonna have to send you home" returned Martha, lowering her tone.

*crying* " I want my mum", she pleaded in response.

Martha briskly left her room, there was nothing else that she could do other than call for another NG and Lauren. Diverting her glare to the ground, Lauren begrudgingly pushed the medical cart into Ava's room. She may have needed it there but the pure thought of shaming her with that NG again whilst she was grieving her best-friend was too much.

" Hey Ava, I talked to your mum again", said Lauren.

"Can I go home?", she pleaded again

*exhales* "About that... your mum isn't ready to handle your condition at home but Charlie's mum volunteered to look after you until you are stronger", explained Lauren.

*taken aback* "So, my mum doesn't want me then", stated Ava in a defeated tone

There was nothing that Lauren could say to comfort her, words weren't needed. Words couldn't justify the love she needed in such a vulnerable moment. Lauren awkwardly placed her hand on Ava's shoulder to try and comfort her before continuing.

"I know it's hard but we can't keep you here like this. Either you keep getting NGs or follow a plan with Charlie", she explained.

"Your going later on, pack your bags", she finished as she passed Ava a duffle bag and a boost drink. 

After Ava had choked down the strawberry boost, she slowly packed her bags waiting until the last minute to neatly store her and Lucy's photos and journal into the front pocket. When Lauren had collected an equally peaky Charlie, they gathered in the visiting room anticipating their release.

Charlie's mum entered the room solemnly, reaching out to hug the girls before sitting down to discuss routines with a lurking Martha. After clearing up urgent procedures and meal plans she swiftly left, gripping onto them sympathetically. Maybe she could be a guardian angel  for them, especially Ava.