On, the twenty-first of December, Annabeth Caldwell arrived at the Riverview clinic fairly early. She'd promised to entertain the children, and she wanted to make sure she had enough time for everyone.
She checked to make sure her visitor's badge was still on and showing. Security assured her that even if it came off she would be all right as long as she wasn't doing anything dangerous or illegal. She had no plans to do either, but she also didn't want someone to confuse her for staff. Her medical ability was limited to first aid, CPR, and home remedies.
She probably didn't need to worry. Maranya had assigned a young staff member, maybe a volunteer, to act as Annabeth's guide and MC for the day. So she simply followed the young teenage girl around, greeted people when she passed.
When it came time to perform she began with "A Visit From St. Nicholas." The younger children watched eyes wide, and the older children laughed as she mimicked Santa tight-roping the narrow roof.
"Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" flowed naturally enough from that. More than a few tears dampened the eyes of her audience.
Her miming abilities lacked the polish of a professional, but she did manage to keep the children entertained as she mimed decorating a tree. The children kept throwing out suggestions and she'd add it into her routine.
Her last act consisted of a small skit she'd penned herself. The laughs and applause at the end brought a grin to her face.
After the main performance, she asked her guide for a tour. She wanted to see the place, but she also wanted to see the kids in a little more intimate setting. The young girl grinned and led Annabeth on a delightful stroll around the building, introducing the actress to staff and children alike.
A couple of children asked for her autograph, even when she insisted it worth the price of the paper it was written on. A few wanted more stories, or to ask her questions. She responded to each request with the same respect she'd give an adult.
The request that stood out in her mind though was the little girl who crawled into her lap unannounced. She couldn't be more than four years old.
"Tell me da real Christmas story. Da one wit da angels and da sepherds."
Annabeth smiled, stroked the little girls dark hair, and quietly recited the passage from second Luke that the child requested. As she finished the little girl hugged her then scooted off her lap to go get her medicine.
Annabeth sat entranced for a while longer before she stood and continued the tour. That little girl had made her day. She hoped that she had returned the favor in some small way.
She checked to make sure her visitor's badge was still on and showing. Security assured her that even if it came off she would be all right as long as she wasn't doing anything dangerous or illegal. She had no plans to do either, but she also didn't want someone to confuse her for staff. Her medical ability was limited to first aid, CPR, and home remedies.
She probably didn't need to worry. Maranya had assigned a young staff member, maybe a volunteer, to act as Annabeth's guide and MC for the day. So she simply followed the young teenage girl around, greeted people when she passed.
When it came time to perform she began with "A Visit From St. Nicholas." The younger children watched eyes wide, and the older children laughed as she mimicked Santa tight-roping the narrow roof.
"Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" flowed naturally enough from that. More than a few tears dampened the eyes of her audience.
Her miming abilities lacked the polish of a professional, but she did manage to keep the children entertained as she mimed decorating a tree. The children kept throwing out suggestions and she'd add it into her routine.
Her last act consisted of a small skit she'd penned herself. The laughs and applause at the end brought a grin to her face.
After the main performance, she asked her guide for a tour. She wanted to see the place, but she also wanted to see the kids in a little more intimate setting. The young girl grinned and led Annabeth on a delightful stroll around the building, introducing the actress to staff and children alike.
A couple of children asked for her autograph, even when she insisted it worth the price of the paper it was written on. A few wanted more stories, or to ask her questions. She responded to each request with the same respect she'd give an adult.
The request that stood out in her mind though was the little girl who crawled into her lap unannounced. She couldn't be more than four years old.
"Tell me da real Christmas story. Da one wit da angels and da sepherds."
Annabeth smiled, stroked the little girls dark hair, and quietly recited the passage from second Luke that the child requested. As she finished the little girl hugged her then scooted off her lap to go get her medicine.
Annabeth sat entranced for a while longer before she stood and continued the tour. That little girl had made her day. She hoped that she had returned the favor in some small way.