That night was the longest night of Leon's life. He'd lost count of how many times he went back and forth between the two rooms—checking on Ana, checking on Clara, talking to doctors, calling other hospitals, then returning to the chair beside his wife's bed. He didn't eat. He didn't sleep.His eyes were red, his lips cracked, but he didn't care. His body was like a machine running on its own will.Toward midnight, Ana's condition worsened. The IV dripping painkillers was no longer enough. The doctor increased the dosage, but Ana still writhed in bed, her hands clutching the sheets, her nails digging into the fabric.Cold sweat soaked her entire body. Her breath came short, gasping, like someone running in place who never arrives.Leon stood beside the bed, gripping his wife's hand."Ana. Ana, I'm here."Ana opened her eyes. They were red, glassy, but unfocused. She stared at Leon, but as if staring at someone far away, someone she couldn't reach."Leon..." her voice was hoarse, barel
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