Two days later, Elizabeth stood next to Ava in front of the strategically placed camera and microphones. After an almost-full recovery, Ava looked radiant and her smile lit up the audience as she announced that the virus was completely under control and assuaged any fear of an outbreak. Elizabeth could tell that some of the reporters were slightly disappointed that there wasn’t something more frightening to cover, but Ava made sure that their attention was held as she went over all the details of what everyone had gone through during the time Elizabeth had spent at this hospital.
Elizabeth took her turn to speak and explained the treatment and its successes. Despite her protests, she pulled Lindsey in front of the crowd to make sure her immense contributions were acknowledged and her name would forever be linked to this medical discovery. She made sure to credit the team that was running the research trial. Despite the initial struggles to gain access to the drug, once they learned that it worked they were more than happy to assist and get their own names out there and attached to the patent.
Elizabeth took the time to acknowledge the team of interns and residents who had assisted in the research, naming Dr. Stephens specifically and pointing her out to the crowd. She then turned the spotlight over to Dr. Mars to end the conference.
Doctor Mars acknowledged the contributions of the medical team and staff, the vigilant nurses and techs who gave up hours of time and care for the patients. She gave space to remember Sandra Watson and everything she had meant to the community and announced that her legacy would continue to live on through a pair of her students who decided to take up her mantle. The journalists seemed slightly confused at the announcement, but the residents of Phoenix Ridge cheered enthusiastically.
Doctor Mars made sure to pay tribute to all the patients who were lost and condolences for the loved ones, as well as acknowledging the dedication of the families of everyone who had been sick. By the time the press conference ended, everyone was relieved and all the questions had been answered.
Elizabeth walked with Ava back into the hospital as the members of the press packed away their kits and dispersed. She looked up to see Heather and Lacey walking toward them with their parents following close behind.
“We wanted to thank you both,” Heather said. “I know I wasn’t the easiest patient, but you save our lives.”
“You are fighters,” Ava said with a smile. “We helped, but you did the hard work. You fought for each other, and you fought for your parents, never underestimate that.”
“Thank you.” Heather smiled warmly.
“I mean it,” Ava said and took both Heather and Lacey’s hands. Their parents stoodbehind them with tears in their eyes. Ava looked back to them. “You should be proud, you have raised strong, amazing women.” Elizabeth couldn’t help but smile as Lacey stifled a sob.
“We’ve decided,” Lacey said, looking tentatively at each of her family members. “We’ve decided to try again.”
“Try again?” Ava asked, lifting her brows.
“Well, they’re coming with us this time,” Lacey said with a slight chuckle and a nod toward her parents. “But as soon as the new survival class is up and running, we will be coming back to Phoenix Ridge.”
Elizabeth watched as Ava’s face broke into a brilliant smile.
“That is great to hear,” Ava said, her voice catching.
“Thank you,” their mother said and shook each of their hands. “Thank you for saving my daughters.” Tears flowed freely down the woman’s face.
Elizabeth nodded, she couldn’t speak; her throat was so tight with emotion. Ava just shook her hand again and murmured her own thanks for her support. Once they had left, Elizabeth reached out and took Ava’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“Is it always like this?” Elizabeth asked, struggling against her tight vocal cords.
“Like what?” Ava asked, lifting her brows.
Elizabeth couldn’t help herself, she reached out and tucked a stray lock of hair behind Ava’s ear and her heart fluttered as Ava smiled at the touch. “Everyone is so happy, so supportive, I just… It’s amazing.”
“I guess I don’t really understand the question,” Ava chuckled.
“I’ve been in hospitals where the people are… well, less than enthusiastic even when you’ve found some miraculous way to cure them. Here, though, it’s like, I don’t even know how to explain.” Elizabeth shook her head. “You take the time to understand each other. You get to know each other. No one is being undercut or taken advantage of—you take care of each other.”
“I don’t know how to respond to that,” Ava said with a slight laugh. “It’s the way it is around here, I don’t know if it’s small-town mentality, or just our town, but it’s just the way we are.”
“It’s the way you are,” Elizabeth said. “Maybethe town has influenced that, but it’s you. You are amazing, Ava, you’re strong and independent, yet you are so beautifully in tune with everyone else.”
“Thank you?” Ava answered and shook her head. They walked toward Dr. Mars’ office, but she was not back just yet. “Elizabeth?”
Elizabeth turned to look at Ava, noting the look of concern on her face.
“Are you sure this is what you want? Phoenix Ridge can be very boring and slow moving; I don’t want to hold you back,” Ava’s brows furrowed with concern. “You’ve already accomplished so much, and I know when you first came here you didn’t seem to be able to make sense of why someone would choose this life.”
“I understand it now,” Elizabeth said and took Ava’s hand. “At least I think I do, and yes, this is what I want.Youare what I want.”
“That’s kind of what I am afraid of,” Ava admitted.
“What do you mean?” Elizabeth asked.
