Valentina eased into the hospital lobby just after ten in the morning, her heart fluttering like a bird caught between panic and hope. The fluorescent lights hummed softly overhead and the reception desk buzzed with orders and paper rustling as they moved around. She checked in with her name and handed over her referral slip. A nurse appeared within minutes and guided her down a corridor lined with framed nature photographs that felt oddly soothing. She tried to steady her breath; gym-class ...