Emma nodded desperately.
The man stepped forward again.
“This is pointless.”
Rachel met his gaze firmly.
“If there’s nothing suspicious, you can take her afterward.”
He stayed silent.
Rachel held out her hand.
“Come on.”
Emma grabbed it right away.
As they walked down the hallway, the man—Marcus—watched them with a tight expression, his fist slowly clenching.
Emma held Rachel’s hand tightly as they walked. She kept glancing behind them nervously, as if afraid Marcus might appear and drag her away.
“Don’t worry,” Rachel said softly. “No one will force you to leave if you don’t want to.”
Emma didn’t answer.
Her bare feet made quiet taps against the cold hospital floor.
When they reached the room, Rachel glanced at Dr. Andrew. He nodded and gently opened the door.
The steady beeping of monitors filled the room.
Natalie lay on the hospital bed surrounded by machines.
Emma let go of Rachel’s hand and ran forward.
“Mom!”
There was no answer.
She climbed onto the bed and held her mother’s hand.
“Mom, wake up.”
Rachel approached carefully.
“She’s very weak, but she’s going to be okay.”
Emma’s shoulders shook as she tried not to cry.
Then a faint voice broke the silence.
“Emma…”
Natalie slowly opened her eyes.