Outside of that hospital room, one Barbara Gomez is taking a call on her headset. She has the length of the corridor: Alejandro and Celeste are on either side. Alejandro is speaking to the doctors. Celeste is making sure that nobody gets in for the moment.

"Are you sure?"

"Honestly? I can't believe you're asking me that."

She sighs, slumps against a wall, lifts a hand to her forehead. She doesn't actually have a headache. Not a physical one, at least.

"Sorry. I just..."

"We've talked about this."

"I know, I know. Bleeding undead heart, and all."

There's a quiet laugh on the other end of the line. Barbie pushes herself off the wall and looks off to where Celeste is. She really, really wants a cigarette. She also really needs to get out of these clothes. They have the girl's blood all over it.

Maybe later. There are more important things to deal with now.

"So there's no other way."

"No. There is no geist in the vicinity who is interested in her, and it does not look like she'll become a Card. She's been Measured." A pause on the other end of the line. "You're thinking about it."

"Yes."

"It's your call. You don't need to update me when you do decide: I'll know."

Barbie nods, even if the person on the other end wouldn't be able to see her (unless, of course, he was doing his Usual and watching her from somewhere she couldn't perceive). Then, with a murmured farewell, she's hanging up and moving towards the hospital room. She knocks once, then opens the door.

"Ella? It's me."

The girl will probably recognize her. Barbie had personally taken charge of her the moment her squad had brought the girl over.