Chapter 5 – A Fragile Heartbeat
Inside Operating Room Three, the world was reduced to monitors, gloved hands, and urgent voices.
Dr. Rebecca Sloan leaned over Khloe.
"Blood pressure?"
"Dropping."
"Fetal heart rate?"
"Ninety-eight... now ninety-four."
The room grew tense.
Seven months.
Too early.
Far too early.
Rebecca glanced at the ultrasound screen.
"There may be a placental abruption."
A nurse immediately relayed the update.
"Prepare neonatal intensive care."
Outside, Marcus saw the operating room doors open for only a moment.
Rebecca stepped out, still wearing her surgical cap.
"We're stabilizing her."
Marcus searched her face.
"And the baby?"
Rebecca hesitated.
"The baby is alive."
Relief flashed across Marcus's face before she continued.
"But we're fighting to keep both of them stable."
His stomach tightened.
"If the bleeding worsens, we'll have no choice but to deliver early."
Marcus nodded silently.
"What are the chances?"
Rebecca answered honestly.
"I don't make promises I can't keep."
She returned to surgery.
Marcus leaned against the wall.
David placed a hand on his shoulder.
"She'll fight."
Marcus looked down at the wedding ring on his hand.
"I promised I'd protect her."
David answered quietly.
"You still can."
Marcus closed his eyes.
May you like
For the first time in years...
He prayed.
