Chapter 5 – The Hospital That Doesn’t Ask Questions
Scripps Mercy Hospital moved like a controlled storm.
Maddie was rushed into trauma imaging immediately.
Ethan did not leave her side.
He couldn’t.
Not professionally.
Not personally.
Not anymore.
Monitors beeped.
IV lines were inserted.
Doctors spoke in clipped urgency.
“Fetal heart rate dropping.”
“Possible early rupture of membranes with chemical burn trauma.”
Ethan stood at the edge of the bed.
Watching.
Not blinking enough.
Maddie reached for him weakly.
“Did I lose her?”
He shook his head once.
“Not yet.”
That “yet” shattered her more than anything else.
She whispered, “I didn’t even get to meet her.”
Ethan leaned closer.
“You still will,” he said firmly.
Then softer:
“Because I am not letting this end here.”
Maddie’s eyes filled with tears.
“Ethan… my mother—”
“Not now,” he interrupted gently.
Not dismissive.
Protective.
“Right now,” he said, “there is only you and our daughter.”
A pause.
May you like
Then, quieter:
“And me.”
