HOSPITAL HALLWAY
The hallway smelled of antiseptic and cold metal, the kind of air that never felt warm no matter how many bodies filled the space. Maxie had been standing for hours. Time didn't exist for her anymore, not since Marcus was dragged into the emergency wing with blood on his shirt and his pulse disappearing under her fingers.
She didn't sit.
She didn't talk.
She barely breathed.
Ryan stayed beside her the entire time, silent, hands shoved in his pockets, eyes fixed on the double doors.
Then the doors finally opened.
The surgeon stepped out, mask lowered around his neck, wiping his hands with a tired, practiced motion. His hair was out of place, and tiny beads of sweat shone on his forehead.
Maxie bolted forward before Ryan could stop her.
"Doctor… " Her voice cracked. "Please, tell me something. Tell me he's alive. Tell me my brother is okay"
"Ma'am ," the surgeon said gently, placing a steady hand on her shaking shoulder. "Calm down."
