Jackson’s mind reeled. His hand trembled uncontrollably as he held the document. “The baby… is it really beyond saving? Isn’t it seven months along? Can’t we do a cesarean section?”

The nurse sighed, her voice tinged with regret. “If Emily had arrived at the hospital sooner, there might have been a chance. But by the time she got here, it was too late. We can’t detect a fetal heartbeat, which means the baby’s heart has already stopped…”

Jackson felt as if the nurse’s ...