DR. ALDRICH’S POV

I stood frozen outside the Intensive Care Unit, staring at the closed door like it held my entire world behind it. My hands trembled, and I ran a shaky palm through my hair, trying to breathe, trying to focus. But all I could see was her—broken, bleeding, and unconscious in the wreckage.

I reached out, fingers brushing the door handle.

“Doctor Aldrich.”

I turned sharply. The attending physician was approaching with a firm look in her eyes. My heart skipped.

“Can I go ...