Halloween arrived on a whisper of gold and early chill.
Maggie’s body had grown weaker, but her spirit still burned bright within her. Her voice—though small—remained strong. Each Monday and Wednesday, she practiced with Naosa. And each night, she whispered the same prayer beneath her breath:
Please, God… just let me sing at the event.
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On the day of the Halloween celebration, the hospital atrium transformed into a wonderland. Elegant tables were set for honored guests, while others gathered in costume and cheer. Alex, Miguel, and Deb sat near the front, eyes wide with quiet admiration.
Celebrities—some in person, others joining by cheerful video call—had come to support the children. Nurses in princess gowns and wizard robes guided kids around the space. Among them, Naosa moved gracefully, making sure everything ran smoothly.
At one point, a kind-faced actor known for his charity work approached her with a warm smile and a folded costume.
“You should be out there with them,” he said, handing her a pristine superhero outfit—cape, shield, and all. “They’d love it.”
Naosa blinked. “Oh, no, I couldn’t—”
But the kids around her were already chanting, tugging playfully at her sleeves.
“Please, Dr. Nao! Please be a superhero!”
Blushing to the tips of her ears, she finally gave in with a laugh. Minutes later, she emerged in full regalia—cape billowing, shield on her back.
“It suits you perfectly,” the actor said kindly.
She smiled bashfully and adjusted her mask.
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At the VIP table, Miguel was doing his best to tease Alex.
A stunning pop star—the one Alex had once admitted crushing on—sat beside him, radiant in an elegant gown.
“You realize your dream girl’s sitting right next to you, don’t you?” Miguel teased.
But Alex wasn’t listening. He was scanning the crowd. Looking for one person.
The emcee’s voice boomed, “Let the costume parade begin!”
A sea of color spilled into the room—fairies with glittering wings, fierce pirates, tiny jack-o’-lanterns, and wizards with crooked hats.
Among them walked Naosa, fully dressed as a superhero—barefoot, glowing, cape fluttering behind her.
Alex jumped up. “Come closer!” he called, grinning. “Hey, can someone call that superhero over here? I think I need rescuing!”
A few children obliged gleefully.
Naosa approached, red-faced but regal.
“How absolutely beautiful,” Alex said with pure admiration. “Turn around—does the cape flow right?”
Miguel chuckled. “Sorry—he’s always like this around her.”
Alex leaned in, whispering, “Can I buy this costume? Seriously. Who do I talk to?”
Naosa glared playfully. “Don’t start.”
But her eyes were laughing.
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Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for—Maggie’s performance.
Her name was called, and applause swelled.
“Go, Maggie!” Alex cheered, cupping his hands.
The pianist began to play Maggie’s favorite song—the one she’d practiced for weeks with Naosa.
But as Maggie stepped into the spotlight, fear took hold. Her legs trembled. She missed the first verse, barely sang the second—then, heartbroken, burst into tears.
“I practiced so much…”
Staff members started toward her, but Naosa was already moving.
She handed her shield and sword to Alex and ran—cape flying—to the center of the stage.
Dropping to her knees beside Maggie, she wrapped the girl in a protective hug.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. It’s perfectly okay.”
The room held its breath.
Naosa rubbed her back in slow, soothing circles.
“Remember what your mom says when you’re scared? Let’s try again. We’ll be all right—I promise.”
Maggie nodded through her tears.
Naosa turned to the pianist. “Let me.”
She sat at the bench and patted the space beside her. “Warm-up time.”
Then she played a cheerful pop tune—Maggie’s mother’s favorite, one she’d mentioned during their talks. Each note rang with quiet magic.
Gasps rippled through the room.
And then—Naosa began to sing.
Her voice was warm and golden, rich with feeling. It filled the atrium like sunlight breaking through clouds.
By the chorus, Maggie joined in. Timid at first, then strong.
Naosa gestured to the crowd.
And they sang together.
Donors. Doctors. Staff. Children. Celebrities.
For a moment, they were one family, holding tight to something fragile and beautiful.
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When the last note faded, thunderous applause filled the space.
But Naosa wasn’t done.
She played again—Maggie’s original song.
This time, Maggie sang it all. Every word. Every note.
The room fell into reverent silence. Some wept openly.
As the song ended, Maggie’s idol walked onto the stage and wrapped her in a warm embrace—a dream come true.
Naosa quietly slipped backstage.
But Alex was already waiting.
He lifted her into his arms—cape and all—and whispered in her ear, “A real superhero saved the day.”
Naosa laughed breathlessly, heart overflowing.
“This armor looks tricky to remove. Let me help you with that later.”
They laughed together, wrapped in joy and the memory of something truly unforgettable.
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