Chapter 5 - The Surgeon’s Verdict
Four hours later, the heavy oak doors of the VIP alcove swung open.
Dr. Kline stood in the doorway, his surgical scrubs stained with antiseptic and sweat, his mask pulled down around his neck. He looked exhausted, but his eyes held a glimmer of exhausted triumph.
Sarah jumped off the sofa so fast her single shoe clicked loudly against the floor. Matthew was on his feet in a fraction of a second, his heart hammering against his ribs like a caged bird.
“Doctor?” Matthew demanded, stepping forward. “Tell me.”
Dr. Kline let out a long, shuddering breath and offered a tired, genuine smile.
“She’s stable,” the surgeon said. “It was touch-and-go for the first two hours. She suffered massive internal bleeding from a fractured rib piercing the liver wall, and a severe concussion. If we had waited even twenty more minutes for administrative clearance... well, we wouldn't be having this conversation.”
Sarah buried her face in Matthew’s trouser leg, letting out a sob of pure, overwhelming relief. Matthew scooped her up instantly, pressing her small body against his heart as his own legs trembled with relief.
“Can I see her?” Sarah cried into his shoulder. “Can I see my mommy?”
“Not yet, sweetheart,” Dr. Kline said gently, stepping further into the room. “She’s still in the post-operative recovery unit under heavy sedation. She won’t wake up until tomorrow morning. But she’s going to make it. Her vitals are stabilizing nicely.”
Matthew closed his eyes, whispering a silent prayer to a universe he had long stopped believing in.
“Thank you, Doctor,” Matthew said, his voice thick with emotion. “Send all bills, direct and indirect, to my private office. Spare no expense for her room, her recovery, her rehabilitation. I want the finest specialists in the country brought in.”
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“Already handled, Mr. Sullivan,” Dr. Kline nodded respectfully. “We’ve moved her to the private executive suite on the seventh floor. Private nurses are assigned around the clock.”
“Good,” Matthew said, tightening his grip on Sarah, who was already growing sleepy against his shoulder, the adrenaline crash finally catching up to her. “I’m taking her up there with me.”
