The nurse leaned in, scanning the monitor. “Heart rate steady, pressure normal.” Then she looked up at Myla, smiling gently. “Keep talking to him. Familiar voices help.”

Beck moved closer, his hand on Myla’s shoulder as if to steady both of them. Jared stood by the bed rail, silent but alert, eyes locked on Hayden’s face.

“Come on, Hay,” Jared said softly.

The air felt heavy with waiting. The green line on the monitor climbed and dipped in perfect rhythm. Then his eyelids ...