Sarah stepped closer.
“She’s very weak, but the doctors are helping her.”
Emma’s shoulders shook as she tried not to cry.
Then suddenly—
A faint whisper broke the silence.
“Emma…”
The woman’s eyes slowly opened.
“Mom…” Emma’s voice trembled.
Laura turned her head slightly, her movements painfully slow. Her eyes settled on Sarah.
“Don’t… don’t let her go with him.”
A chill ran through Sarah.
“What do you mean?”
Laura struggled to breathe.
“Daniel… isn’t her father.”
The air in the room seemed to freeze.
“What?” Sarah asked.
“He… he took her.”
Dr. Carter looked at Sarah immediately.
“I’m calling the police.”
Emma turned quickly.
“What’s going to happen?”
Sarah knelt beside her.
“We’re going to find out the truth. And you don’t have to go anywhere you don’t want to.”
Emma bit her lip.
“He told me my mom was dead.”
Laura squeezed her daughter’s hand with the little strength she had.
“Never believe anything he tells you.”
Tears filled Emma’s eyes.
“Can we go home now?”
Laura swallowed painfully.
“Soon, sweetheart.”
But Sarah’s mind was racing.
If that man wasn’t Emma’s father… then something much worse was happening.