Chapter 2: The Heartbeat
The emergency room was a blur of fluorescent lights and sterile smells. Nurses rushed Claire onto a gurney, their faces grim as she recounted the trauma.
"Let's get the ultrasound," Dr. Evans said gently. Cold gel was applied to her bruised abdomen. Claire held her breath, tears streaming down her face. Please, she prayed. Please.
Then, a rapid, rhythmic swish-swish-swish filled the room. The baby's heartbeat. Claire sobbed uncontrollably, dropping her head back against the pillow. "She's okay," the doctor smiled, pointing to the monitor. "But you have a severe contusion. We're keeping you for observation. The police are waiting outside."
May you like
