A pair of oversized silver scissors was handed to Daniel, while the hospital board members lined up behind a thick red ribbon.

Chloe suddenly appeared from the side of the stage, wearing a bright yellow dress and a matching headband.

She ran straight to her father, wrapping her arms around his leg.

Daniel laughed, a sound that warmed my heart, and bent down to lift her into his arms.

Together, they held the heavy scissors.

With a collective countdown from the crowd, they snipped the red ribbon, and it fell to the polished terrazzo floor.

The crowd cheered, and the glass doors of the Morrison Family Healing Center slid open for the first time.

The scent of fresh pine, new paint, and clean linen drifted out from the new wing.

The donors and hospital staff began to filter through the doorway, marveling at the bright, open spaces.

I stayed back for a moment, letting the crowd pass me by as I tried to process the rush of feelings inside my chest.

“Victoria!” a small, sweet voice called out.