THESSARA'S POV

"Good boy, Atlas. Just hold still for me."

The golden retriever wagged his tail, trusting despite the examination. I pressed my stethoscope to his chest, counting heartbeats, trying to focus on the rhythm instead of the chaos in my mind.

The phone buzzed in my pocket. Ignored it. Atlas needed attention.

It buzzed again. Persistent.

"Sorry, buddy." Pulled it out. Unknown number. Local area code.

Answered. "Dr. Thessara Hart."

"Dr. Hart, this is Maplewood General ...