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...