Chapter 6 - A Crisis Above the Ocean
Lucia's monitor sounded again.
The small digital numbers continued falling.
Elena's face drained of color.
"No, no, no..."
She quickly repositioned the baby, checking the nasal tubing connected to the compact oxygen unit beneath the seat.
The tube had twisted.
She straightened it.
The numbers didn't rise.
Lucia's cries faded into shallow gasps.
Adrian pressed the call button repeatedly.
A flight attendant rushed over.
"What's happening?"
"Her oxygen saturation is dropping," Adrian said. "Do you have supplemental oxygen onboard?"
"Yes."
"Bring it now. And ask if there's a doctor on the plane."
The attendant hurried toward the galley.
Elena clutched Lucia against her chest.
"Please breathe, sweetheart."
The cabin lights brightened.
Passengers turned toward the commotion.
Moments later, an announcement came through the speakers.
"If there is a doctor, nurse, or qualified medical professional onboard, please identify yourself to a member of the cabin crew."
A woman from first class stood immediately.
"I'm a physician."
She moved down the aisle, followed by another passenger who identified himself as a paramedic.
The doctor crouched beside Elena.
"What condition does she have?"
Elena struggled to answer.
Adrian handed over the medical file.
"Congenital pulmonary artery stenosis. Surgery scheduled tomorrow."
The doctor examined Lucia.
"She needs oxygen."
The flight attendant returned with a portable cylinder and emergency kit.
The paramedic prepared the mask.
Lucia resisted weakly.
Elena began crying.
Adrian placed one hand firmly on her shoulder.
"Look at me."
She couldn't.
"Elena, look at me."
Finally, she raised her eyes.
"She needs you calm."
"I'm trying."
"I know."
His voice softened.
"But she can feel your fear."
Elena forced herself to slow her breathing.
Together, they held the mask near Lucia's face while the doctor checked her pulse.
The oxygen reading remained dangerously low.
The doctor looked toward the flight attendant.
"How far are we from the nearest airport?"
The attendant spoke into the intercom, then listened.
"About ninety minutes from Reykjavik. Two hours from our destination."
The doctor didn't hesitate.
"We should divert."
A murmur spread through the cabin.
The earlier businessman immediately stood.
"Then divert."
Another passenger nodded.
"Do whatever is necessary."
Not one person complained.
The captain was contacted.
Minutes later, the aircraft began a gradual turn over the Atlantic.
Elena stared at the flight map.
The small plane icon changed direction.
Her heart sank.
"If we land somewhere else, I'll miss Lucia's appointment."
Adrian looked at her.
"If we don't land, she may not reach the appointment."
Elena closed her eyes.
He was right.
The monitor beeped again.
Then, finally, the number rose by one point.
Then two.
The doctor exhaled carefully.
"She's responding."
Relief moved through the nearby rows.
But it was temporary.
The doctor looked directly at Adrian and Elena.
"She still needs a hospital as soon as we land."
Adrian took out his phone and stared at the no-service symbol.
Then he turned toward the flight attendant.
"The moment we're low enough for a signal, I need access to the aircraft communication system."
"Why?"
"Because if we land in Reykjavik without arrangements, we lose time."
May you like
His eyes moved toward Lucia.
"And she doesn't have time to lose."
