DOWNTOWN MEDICAL CENTER – EMERGENCY ROOM – 4:00 AMThe ambulance tore through the empty New York streets, sirens screaming like a wounded animal. Inside, Valentina lay strapped to the stretcher, her face ghostly white under the harsh lights. An oxygen mask covered her mouth and nose. An IV dripped fluids into her arm. Machines beeped wildly, warning that her blood pressure was dropping fast.“Stay with us, ma’am!” the paramedic shouted. “Keep your eyes open!”Valentina moaned weakly, tears leaking from the corners of her eyes. “My baby… please… save my baby…”In the front seat, Katherina sat with her head in her hands, shoulders shaking as she cried loudly. Tears streamed down her face. To the paramedics, she looked like a devastated big sister. Inside, her heart beat steady and cold.It’s really happening. Finally.The ambulance skidded to a stop outside the emergency entrance. Doors flew open. Nurses and doctors rushed out, shouting orders.“Thirteen-week pregnancy, heavy vaginal
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