Rachel's brow furrowed with concern. "But Ava, you still have a bandage on your head. I'm not sure it's safe."
Aiden, who had been quietly playing on his phone, piped up. "Come on, Mum, let her go out for a bit. She's been cooped up in this room for ages. It's not good for her."
Rachel hesitated, looking uncertain. Aiden jumped up from his seat. "I'll go talk to the nurses and see what they say."
A few minutes later, Aiden returned, a reassuring smile on his face. "It's okay, Mum. The nurses said it's fine for Ava to go out for some fresh air, as long as she's with someone."
Ava's eyes met her mum's, pleading silently. Rachel sighed, still looking worried. "I'll come with you, sweetie."
But Ava shook her head. "No, Mum, you don't have to. Aiden can come with me. Besides, who's watching over the cafe?"
Rachel's expression softened slightly. "You're right. I should get back to the cafe. It's been a while since I've checked in."
Ava smiled, relieved. "See, Mum? Aiden and I will be fine. We'll just go out for a bit, and then I'll come back to my room."
With a final glance at Ava's bandaged head, Rachel nodded. "Alright, but be careful, and don't exert yourself. Aiden, make sure Ava doesn't do anything silly."
Aiden grinned. "Don't worry, Mum. I've got this."
As Rachel left, Ava felt a sense of freedom wash over her. She smiled at Aiden. "Thanks, little bro. Let's go get some fresh air."
Ava and Aiden strolled around the hospital grounds, enjoying the fresh air. They wandered into the hospital garden, surrounded by vibrant flowers and the soothing sounds of nature.
Suddenly, Ava's eyes lit up with a craving. "Aiden, please can you buy me some ice cream from that departmental store over there?" she asked, her voice filled with longing.
Aiden chuckled and nodded. "Okay, but don't move from here. I'll be right back."
As Aiden headed towards the store, Ava's gaze darted around the garden. She spotted the nurses' changing room and quickly made her way towards it.
She slipped inside, her eyes scanning the room for any signs of life. Finding it empty, she swiftly changed into a nurse's uniform, careful to avoid the security cameras.
With her new disguise, Ava made her way to the elevator. She pressed the button for the top floor, and the doors slid open with a soft whoosh.
Instead of exiting, she took the stairs to the hospital rooftop, the sign on the door reading "Restricted Area" in bold letters.
The rooftop was deserted, or so Ava thought. She pulled out her phone to make a call, her back turned to the rest of the rooftop,she turned around, and her eyes met those of a man standing a short distance away, his gaze fixed intently on her.