18. Heartbeats

Three hours later, when the patient’s vital was finally stabilized and aftercare was being provided to the baby, Cassandra discarded the gloves and walked out, diving her hands in the large pockets of the coat. A woman stood from the bench, tears streaming down her face as she blocked her way, asking, “Doctor. How’s my—” “She’s fine.” She provided no further explanation as she walked away, hearing a nurse stepping outside to inform the family that they could go in the room now.

She walked back to Patrick’s area, her thoughts instantly going back to Selena. She had been gone for so long. Was she alright? She thought about the purple marks on her neck, hating herself for not having noticed sooner.

She stopped in her steps, seeing her standing outside the room, a coffee in her hand as she was reading the posters fixed on the wall. She really was so beautiful. As if she felt her presence, Selena turned to her, her eyes twinkling in delight to see her, “Doctor!” A look of horror then cr