The hospital’s sliding doors whooshed open as I carried her inside. Her face was tight with pain, gripping my hand so hard it hurt. The doctors were quick to jump into action, taking her away on a stretcher before I could get a word out. 

Before I knew it, I was left behind in the waiting, surrounded by strangers. I tried to sit, but the chairs were stiff and unwelcoming. 

The clock on the wall ticked loudly, each second stretching out, making me feel like I was stuck in some ...