Helen hesitated for only a second before stepping forward, her fingers brushing against the handles of the wheelchair. "I'll take that—" she began, her voice polite but uncertain.
Natalya's head snapped toward her, her eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. "What are you doing?" she demanded, her voice low and lethal. "Who asked you to hold it?"
Helen froze, her fingers immediately retreating as if burned. "I-I just thought—"
"You thought wrong," Natalya cut her off, her voice sharp enough to draw blood. The nurse took a quick step back, her face pale, her hands clutching at her uniform like a shield.
Natalya turned back to me, her movements abrupt as she grabbed my arm and pulled me gently toward her. I played along, letting my body sway slightly—just enough to make it look like I was losing my balance.
Polina reacted instantly, her reflexes honed by years of training. She caught me, her hands steadying my shoulders, and for a brief moment, my chest pressed against hers.
