“We have a patient in the ICU named Laura Bennett,” he said.
Emma’s eyes widened.
“That’s my mom.”
The man shut his eyes in irritation.
“This has nothing to do with us.”
Sarah ignored him and turned back to Emma.
“Would you like to see her?”
Emma nodded immediately.
The man stepped forward again.
“This is a waste of time.”
Sarah looked at him steadily.
“If everything checks out, you can take her afterward.”
He said nothing.
Sarah reached for Emma’s hand.
“Come with me.”
Emma grabbed it instantly.
Behind them, the man stood in the hallway watching, his face tight with anger.
The ICU Room
Emma held Sarah’s hand tightly as they walked through the hospital corridor. Her breathing was fast, and she kept glancing over her shoulder like she expected the man to grab her any second.
“Don’t worry,” Sarah whispered. “No one will force you to go anywhere you don’t want to go.”
Emma said nothing.
When they reached the ICU room, Dr. Carter pushed the door open.
Inside, machines beeped steadily. A woman lay in the hospital bed connected to several monitors.
Emma released Sarah’s hand and ran forward.
“Mom!”
The woman didn’t respond.
Emma climbed carefully onto the bed and grabbed her mother’s hand.
“Mom… please wake up.”