Chapter Text
Carina had been visiting the immigration office frequently, hoping to resolve the issues surrounding her visa application. Each time, however, she was met with delays, confusion, or vague responses. Her frustration grew with every visit, as her life plans were put on hold while she waited for the necessary documentation to be processed.
One day, while at the immigration office, she noticed someone who stood out—a woman dressed in a formal suit with an air of authority. Determined to get answers, Carina approached and politely explained her situation. "I've been coming here for weeks now, but my visa still hasn't been processed. I need to understand what’s happening and if there’s anything I can do to expedite it. I’ve tried everything, but I’m not sure where else to turn."
The woman listened intently, her expression serious but kind. After hearing her story, she nodded. "I understand how frustrating this must be for you ma’am "I can see this has been a difficult process for you," she said. "What I’ll do is I’ll ask someone to look further into your case.
Carina’s heart sank slightly, fearing more delays. But Maya continued, "Come back tomorrow, and I’ll have more information for you. If anything urgent comes up, or you need to follow up, you can my office directly. Here the number.
Surprised and relieved by the gesture, Carina took the card. "Thank you so much," she said, grateful for the help.
After her shift at Grey Sloan, Carina made her way to the kindergarten to pick up her 4-year-old daughter, Sofia. The moment she entered the school’s colorful play area, Sofia’s face lit up, and she came running toward her with excitement.
“Mamma!” Sofia exclaimed, wrapping her little arms around Carina’s waist. Carina knelt down, hugging her daughter tightly, the stresses of the day melting away for a moment in that embrace.
“How was your day, Bambina Carina asked, brushing a stray lock of Sofia’s hair behind her ear.
“We painted pumpkins! Mine is green!” Sofia said proudly, holding up a paper pumpkin she had decorated.
I can't wait to see it,” Carina said, smiling as she stood up and took her daughter’s hand. Together, they walked to the car, with Sofia excitedly telling her all about her day at school.
Once they got home, Carina unlocked the door and let Sofia run ahead into the house. She dropped her keys on the kitchen counter and took a deep breath. The house was quiet and calm, a welcome contrast to the hospital and the stressful meetings at immigration.
Sofia was already busying herself with her toys, humming as she arranged her dolls in a circle on the living room floor. Carina watched her for a moment, feeling grateful for the little pockets of peace in her hectic life. She knew tomorrow would be another day of waiting and hoping, but for now, she had this time with her daughter. And that was enough to keep her going.
As Carina settled on the couch, watching Sofia play, her thoughts drifted back to the conversation with the immigration officer Maybe there was an update, or perhaps she could push for more information before tomorrow.
Her hand instinctively reached for her bag, but she hesitated. Would it be too much? She didn’t want to come across as impatient or put pressure on someone who had already promised to help. The officer had seemed genuine, and Carina didn’t want to risk frustrating her by appearing too anxious.
She let out a sigh, her fingers pulling back from the phone. "No," she thought, "I’ll give her the time she asked for."
Instead, she looked over at Sofia, who was now pretending her dolls were doctors, performing surgery with unmatched focus. Carina smiled at the sight, deciding that for now, she would focus on being present with her daughter. Tomorrow would come soon enough, and with it, hopefully, the answers she had been waiting for.
Later that evening, after dinner and bath time, Carina led Sofia to her bedroom, helping her into her pajamas. Sofia climbed into bed with her favorite stuffed bunny, already starting to drift off as Carina tucked her in.
“Mamma, can you sing me the song?” Sofia asked sleepily, her eyes barely open.
Carina sat on the edge of the bed and began softly humming the familiar Italian lullaby that her own mother had sung to her as a child. As she sang, she felt her throat tighten, emotions welling up inside her.
The uncertainty surrounding her visa situation weighed heavily on her. If things didn’t work out with immigration, she might have to return to Italy. The thought of uprooting Sofia from the life she had built here the friends, the school, the familiarity broke her heart.
Tears filled her eyes as she watched her daughter’s peaceful face slowly relax into sleep. She didn’t want Sofia to leave behind everything she knew, everything they had worked for. Carina had come to love their life in Seattle, and more than anything, she wanted Sofia to have the stability and future she deserved.
Quietly, Carina wiped her eyes and leaned down to kiss Sofia’s forehead. “Ti amo, Sofia,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “I’ll do everything I can to make sure we stay here.”
With that promise lingering in her heart, Carina softly closed the door and walked back to the living room, feeling the weight of her situation but determined to fight for their future.
The next morning, after waking up early and getting Sofia whom she affectionately called Isabella sometimes ready for the day, Carina dropped her off at kindergarten. She gave Sofia a warm hug and a reassuring smile, trying not to let her own worries show.
"Have a good day, Bambina. I'll see you later, okay?" she said, as Sofia waved her goodbye, already running toward her friends.
With a deep breath, Carina made her way to the immigration office. Today was important. She had been counting on the Chief Immigration Officer, to have some answers, and this could be the turning point in her visa situation.
When she arrived at the immigration office, she signed in at the reception and explained she had an appointment with the officer, The receptionist, polite but brisk, informed her that she hadn’t arrived yet but would be in soon.
Carina found a seat in the waiting area, trying to stay calm. As the minutes stretched into hours, she checked her phone multiple times, the clock moving slower than ever.
She watched as other people came and went, feeling the frustration building up again. Maya had seemed so helpful the day before, and Carina had let herself believe that today would be different that today would bring good news. But now, sitting here in uncertainty again, she felt the familiar knot of anxiety forming in her chest. She reminded herself to be patient, but the waiting was starting to feel unbearable.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the receptionist called out, Ms DeLuca? The Chief will be ready for you shortly.”
Carina stood up, taking a deep breath to steady herself. Her heart pounded in her chest as she was led down a long corridor toward Maya’s office. Each step felt heavy with anticipation, and her mind raced with what could be said, what decisions might be made about her future and Sofia’s.
When they reached the door, the receptionist knocked softly before opening it, ushering Carina inside. Carina stepped into the room, her eyes immediately scanning for Maya. The office was neat, the soft hum of the air conditioning the only sound in the room. But Maya wasn’t at her desk.
Carina’s stomach dropped, the weight of dread settling in. Not again, she thought. Just as she was about to ask the receptionist where Maya was, the door opened behind her, and Maya walked in.
“I’m so sorry to keep you waiting, Carina,” Maya said quickly, slightly out of breath, as though she had been rushing. Her suit jacket was slightly askew, her hair pulled back but a little undone at the edges. She gave Carina an apologetic look as she moved toward her desk. “I had some urgent matters to attend to this morning.”
Carina nodded, but inside she felt her emotions bubbling up. The hope she had been clinging to so tightly felt fragile now. She had waited so long for this moment, and every delay felt like a betrayal. But Carina kept her voice steady as she sat down. “It’s okay, I understand. I just... I’ve been waiting for so long. I need to know what’s happening with my case.”
The officer pulled out a stack of documents from a folder on her desk. She flipped through the pages, her brow furrowing slightly as she looked over Carina’s case.
Then she glanced up at Carina, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. “I have to ask,” she began, her tone gentle but probing, “why didn’t you come to us sooner? Why now, when things are already so complicated, when it’s almost too late?”
Carina felt a lump rise in her throat, her hands instinctively twisting together in her lap. She took a deep breath, gathering the strength to answer. “I didn’t know things would get this bad,” she began, her voice soft, but the weight of her emotions was evident. “When I first applied, I thought it would be straightforward, like it was for others I know. But then... life happened.”
She paused, glancing down for a moment, her eyes clouded with memories. “I was balancing my job at Grey Sloan, raising Sofia, and dealing with... personal things. And at first, the delays seemed manageable. I kept thinking it would get sorted out, that it was just a matter of time. But as months passed, it got more complicated, and then—” she hesitated, her voice faltering, “—then it felt like I was drowning in it all. I didn’t know where to turn or how to make them listen.”
Maya nodded, her expression softening as she listened.
Carina nodded back, fighting the emotions bubbling beneath the surface. “I didn’t mean to let it get this bad. I love my life here. I love my job, and Sofia has her whole world here. I... I was just overwhelmed. And by the time I realized how serious it had become, I thought maybe it was too late.”
Maya sat back in her chair, thoughtful, still scanning through the papers. “It’s a bit complicated right now she said slowly
Carina looked Then, something struck her, and she realized she still didn’t even know her name of the person she was now relying on so heavily. She blinked and hesitated for a moment, then asked softly, almost shyly, “I’m sorry, but... I still don’t even know your name. You've been so kind, and I didn’t even ask.”
The woman looked at Carina in surprise, then broke into a warm smile, as though the simple question had lightened the atmosphere. “Maya.” She extended her hand again, this time more formally. “Maya Bishop.
Carina smiled faintly, feeling a connection form between them in that moment. She shook Maya’s hand firmly. “Thank you, Maya. For everything. I know it’s a lot, but I appreciate you helping me.”
A few days had passed since Carina’s meeting with Maya, and the waiting was starting to take its toll. Every time her phone buzzed, she’d check it with a flicker of hope, only to feel disappointment wash over her when it wasn’t the call she was waiting for. As the days dragged on with no updates, that hope began to fade, replaced by an overwhelming sense of uncertainty and dread.
At Grey Sloan, Carina found herself distracted, her mind constantly drifting back to the immigration issue. In the middle of treating patients, her thoughts would wander, replaying the conversation with Maya, wondering what was happening behind the scenes, and fearing the worst. Was something wrong with her case? Had Maya forgotten about her? Was it really too late?
During one shift, she stood in front of an ultrasound machine, barely registering what she was seeing on the screen. The patient's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. “Dr. DeLuca? Is everything okay?”
Carina blinked, startled, and quickly forced a smile. “Yes, yes, I’m sorry,” she said, refocusing on the task at hand. But inside, she was unraveling. She finished the appointment and hurried out of the exam room, feeling a wave of frustration rise within her.
In the hallway, she bumped into Teddy, who immediately noticed the strain on her face. “Carina, are you okay?” Teddy asked, concern in her voice.
Carina sighed, running a hand through her hair. “It’s just... I’m waiting for a call from immigration, and it’s been days. I can’t focus on anything. I keep thinking about what’s going to happen if they don’t get back to me.”
Teddy placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry you’re going through this. But you know, it could still take some time. You’ve done what you can for now. Try not to let it eat away at you.”
Carina nodded, but it was easier said than done. The fear of losing everything she had built here, of being forced to leave with Sofia, weighed heavily on her. As she walked back to the her office she couldn’t help but feel like her future was slipping through her fingers. her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw an unfamiliar number, her heart instantly leaping into her throat. Could it be... She quickly answered, her voice shaky with anticipation.
“Hello?”
“Carina? It’s Maya Bishop, from immigration.”
Carina’s breath hitched, a mix of relief and anxiety flooding her system. “Maya, hi. I’ve been waiting to hear from you.”
“I know,” Maya said, her tone gentle yet serious. “I’m sorry for the delay. Would you be able to meet me this in an hour or so
Carina’s stomach twisted at the mention of meeting “Yes, of course. Where should we meet?”
“There’s a small restaurant not far from the immigration office, called Il Volo. It’s quiet, and we can talk there,” Maya suggested.
Carina agreed, and after quickly wrapping up her work at the hospital, she made her way to the restaurant. As she drove, her thoughts raced. Why meet at a restaurant? Was it personal now, or was this a sign of bad news? She tried to calm herself, telling herself to wait and see.
When she arrived at Il Volo, a cozy restaurant with dim lighting and intimate booths, she spotted Maya sitting at a corner table, already waiting for her. Maya gave her a small wave, and Carina approached, nerves buzzing under her skin.
“Thank you for meeting me here,” Maya said as Carina sat down, offering a warm but serious smile.
Carina forced a smile in return, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. “What’s going on?
Maya took a deep breath before speaking, leaning in slightly. “I didn’t want to discuss this in the office because it’s a delicate situation. Your case is complicated, and there have been some issues with processing—some things are out of my control. But I didn’t want to just leave you waiting indefinitely without an explanation.”
Carina’s heart sank, her chest tightening. “So... what does that mean? Are they rejecting my application?”
Maya quickly shook her head. “No, no rejection. But it’s taking longer than expected because there’s a backlog of cases, and some of your documents need further verification. That’s part of what’s been holding things up.”
Carina exhaled slowly, her hands trembling slightly as she listened. “But... do you think it will get approved?”
Maya hesitated, her eyes soft with empathy. “I can’t give you an answer right now, Carina. I wish I could. But I’m doing everything in my power to push it forward. That’s why I wanted to meet you here to give you some reassurance that your case isn’t forgotten. I’m still on top of it.”
“Carina,” Maya began, her voice a little lower, more serious than before. “There’s something I want to propose. I’ve been thinking about your situation a lot, and I know this is going to sound... unconventional, but I need you to hear me out.”
Carina furrowed her brow, not sure what Maya was about to suggest, but sensing the weight of the moment. “Okay,” she said, her voice tentative. “What is it?”
Maya leaned forward slightly, her eyes locked on Carina’s as she spoke, each word careful and deliberate. “One of the fastest ways to get around this visa issue given how long the processing is taking and the complications in your case is... if you were married to a U.S. citizen.”
Carina blinked, her brain trying to catch up to what Maya was suggesting. She stared at her for a moment, not sure if she had heard correctly. “Wait... what? You’re saying I should get married? To who?”
Maya’s expression didn’t waver, though there was a flicker of something nervousness, maybe on her face. “To me,” she said quietly. “It’s not as crazy as it sounds. It’s... a way I can help you. A marriage to a U.S. citizen would expedite your residency application, and we could work through this mess much faster.”
Carina was speechless, her mouth slightly open as she stared at Maya. Her mind raced, trying to process what was happening. Of all the things she had imagined Maya might suggest, this was not one of them.
“Marry you?” Carina repeated, her voice barely above a whisper, still in shock. “I... I don’t even know what to say. I mean... Why would you
Maya held up a hand to stop her, her voice gentle but firm. “I know it’s a lot to take in, and I understand if you’re completely shocked. But you and I both know how long this process can take, and how uncertain it is. A marriage would be a way to make sure you and Sofia can stay here permanently.”
Carina’s heart pounded in her chest. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Maya, that’s... I don’t know if I can do that. I barely know you.”
Maya nodded, clearly expecting that response. “I’m not asking for a real marriage, Carina. I’m not expecting anything from you personally. This would be strictly to help with your immigration status, and it would give us a solid legal path forward.”
Carina stood frozen for a moment, still trying to grasp what Maya had just suggested "Maya, this... this is illegal, isn't it? You're asking me to break the law!"
Maya remained calm, her expression softening but firm. She had clearly anticipated this reaction. "Carina," she said gently, "I know this sounds extreme, and I know you're worried about the legal side of things. But trust me when I say this—I know the law, especially in my position.
Carina shook her head, still stunned. "But you're the one in charge of enforcing the rules, and now you're suggesting this? How can that be okay?"
Maya leaned forward slightly, her voice remaining steady and reassuring. "I’m not suggesting anything that’s going to get you in trouble. There are plenty of legal marriages between people who don’t have a traditional relationship, and the system is built to handle those situations. As long as it's a legitimate marriage on paper, and you meet the requirements, it’s perfectly legal. We’re not breaking any laws."
Carina’s heart raced. It still felt wrong, or at least like bending the rules in ways that made her uncomfortable. "I just... I don’t know, Maya. I need time to think this through. It’s not something I can decide right here, right now."
Maya nodded, her expression soft with understanding. This is a big decision, and I don’t want you to rush into anything you’re not comfortable with. I’m offering this as a way to help you, but it’s your choice. Take as much time as you need."
Carina nodded slowly, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her. "Thank you," she said quietly. "I just need to think about it."
Maya stood, giving Carina a kind but serious look. "Of course. Just know that whatever you decide, I’ll still be here to support you and your case. We’ll figure this out."
With that, Maya left the restaurant, leaving Carina alone to sit with her thoughts. As she looked around the now-empty table, Carina felt the conflicting emotions pulling her in different directions. It was an unconventional solution, one that could give her and Sofia the stability they desperately needed but at what cost?