Chapter 6 - A Flame in the Dark
That evening, alarm bells blared inside Emma's ICU room.
Ethan rushed in alongside Dr. Holloway. Emma’s oxygen levels were plummeting; her tiny body went rigid as she struggled to pull air into her compromised lungs.
"Dynamic airway collapse!" Dr. Holloway called out. "Prepare for emergency intubation!"
Lily stood frozen in the corner of the room, terror gripping her face. Ethan immediately stepped between Lily and the medical team, blocking her view of the chaotic procedure while pulling her close against his chest.
"Look at me, Lily," Ethan instructed, holding her shoulders gently. "Look into my eyes. Breathe with me. In... and out. In... and out."
For fifteen agonizing minutes, the doctors worked feverishly. Ethan kept his gaze locked onto Lily, speaking softly to her, retelling stories of stars and oceans, anchoring her through the storm.
Finally, the flatlining monitors returned to a stable, rhythmic chime.
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"She's stable," Dr. Holloway gasped, wiping sweat from her brow. "The tube is placed. Her lungs are expanding properly now. She made it through the worst of it."
Lily collapsed against Ethan’s shoulder, sobbing in relief. Ethan lifted the young girl into his arms and held her tight. In that moment, he realized he wasn't just protecting these children—they were saving his soul.
