The air grew thinner, and the temperature in the room rose, reaching its boiling point. The night was restless and unending.

*****

The next morning, Emily woke up feeling sore all over, only to find the spot next to her already cold.

She closed her eyes, planning to go back to sleep, but then suddenly remembered something that made her sit up with a start.

She thought, ‘The surgery! Ethan’s surgery is scheduled for today, and I am supposed to be the one performing ...