Chapter 22 - Ethan's Father
While Lucia was being prepared for surgery, another man hurried through the hospital entrance.
His clothes were covered in dirt.
One sleeve had dried blood across the cuff.
He looked as though he had driven through the night without stopping.
"Ethan!"
Claire turned immediately.
"Daniel!"
The couple embraced so tightly that neither spoke for several seconds.
Finally Daniel stepped back.
"How is he?"
Claire wiped away tears.
"They're preparing surgery."
He nodded silently before noticing Elena standing nearby.
Claire gently introduced them.
"This is Elena."
Daniel offered a tired smile.
"Our children chose the same impossible day."
Elena nodded.
"I've been praying for your son too."
Daniel looked genuinely surprised.
"Even now?"
"Especially now."
He lowered his eyes.
"Thank you."
Adrian observed the exchange from across the corridor.
It reminded him of countless families he had met years ago.
Different names.
Different illnesses.
The same fear.
Dr. Voss entered carrying two surgical charts.
He gathered both families.
"I want everyone to understand the plan."
He placed Ethan's chart on one side.
Lucia's on the other.
"We will begin Ethan's trauma surgery immediately."
Elena's face tightened for a brief moment.
Voss continued before anyone misunderstood.
"Dr. Harrow and I will operate together."
He pointed to another surgeon entering the room.
"Once Ethan reaches the stable phase, Dr. Meyers will complete the remaining repair while I move directly to Lucia."
Adrian frowned.
"That wasn't the original schedule."
"No."
Voss smiled faintly.
"But medicine changes every minute."
Claire looked at Elena.
"Our children are helping each other."
Elena nodded.
"They are."
Neither mother viewed it as competition anymore.
May you like
Only cooperation.
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