Chapter 32

• Nathan burst through the hospital doors, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and desperation. His eyes darted around the sterile, white room until they landed on his mother's distraught face. Her eyes were red-rimmed, her face pale and drawn with worry, and her hands trembled as she clutched a consent form. She wore a worn-out white coat, her hair disheveled and her eyes sunken with exhaustion.
• "Mom, what's happening?" Nathan's voice quivered, barely concealing his panic. "Why haven't you signed the form yet? Anna needs to go into surgery now. Every second counts, and I can't bear the thought of losing her."
• His mother's gaze met his. "I don't know, Nathan. I just can't bring myself to do it. What if something goes wrong? What if we lose her?"