Chapter 4 – The Visit She Refused
The fourth day after the rescue, Alex stood outside Lucy's hospital room holding a bouquet of white lilies.
He had bought them because they were her favorite.
Only when he reached the door did he remember that lilies were also the flowers most people associated with funerals.
The irony settled heavily in his chest.
Through the narrow window, he saw Lucy sitting upright in bed. Her skin was still pale, but there was color returning to her cheeks. One hand rested protectively over the small curve of her stomach while the fetal monitor traced a fragile rhythm beside her.
She looked toward the door.
Their eyes met.
For a heartbeat, Alex believed she might smile.
Instead, she calmly pressed the call button.
A nurse entered.
Lucy never looked away from her husband.
"I don't want visitors."
The nurse stepped into the hallway.
"I'm sorry, Lieutenant Davis."
"I'm her husband."
"Mrs. Davis has instructed us not to allow anyone inside without her written permission."
Alex lowered his voice.
"I just need five minutes."
The nurse shook her head.
"She said if you came, I should give you this."
She handed him a sealed envelope.
Inside was a photocopy of Lucy's admission record.
Patient Condition: Severe dehydration. Oxygen deprivation. Premature labor. High-risk pregnancy.
At the bottom, Lucy had written one sentence in blue ink.
"This is what happened while you were carrying someone else."
Alex stared at the page until the letters blurred.
Inside the room, Lucy quietly closed the curtain.
It wasn't anger anymore.
May you like
It was acceptance.
And somehow, that hurt far more.
