Chapter 3 – Emily's Last Chance
Three days later...
Emily lay in a hospital bed surrounded by specialists.
The leukemia had spread faster than anyone expected.
One doctor closed the chart.
"We cannot delay any longer."
Emily nodded.
"I understand."
Ryan stood beside the bed, tears filling his eyes.
"I'll stay."
Emily looked at him for a long moment.
"You weren't here when I needed you."
"I know."
"I'll spend the rest of my life making up for it."
Emily smiled gently.
"You may not have that long."
Those words shattered him.
Doctors prepared emergency treatment.
But first...
Emily had to deliver the baby.
The operating room filled with tension.
Every heartbeat echoed through the monitors.
Hours later...
A tiny cry broke the silence.
"It's a girl."
Ryan collapsed into tears.
For one beautiful moment...
Emily reached out and touched her daughter's cheek.
"Hello..."
Then the monitor suddenly screamed.
Flatline.
Doctors rushed toward her.
"She's crashing!"
"Charge!"
"Again!"
Ryan held the newborn against his chest.
Unable to move.
Unable to breathe.
He watched doctors fight for the woman he had failed.
For twelve endless minutes.
Finally...
A weak heartbeat returned.
Emily was alive.
Barely.
May you like
But the real battle...
Had only begun.
