Rachel stood frozen in the doorway of the hospital room, her breath hitching as her eyes locked on the small, fragile figure lying on the bed. The machines around him beeped steadily, their cold, mechanical sounds a stark contrast to the warmth she so desperately wanted to feel in this moment. Her heart clenched painfully, and she pressed a trembling hand to her chest, as if it might somehow keep it from shattering completely.

Her feet felt glued to the floor, her legs weak beneath her weight. Her mind screamed for her to move closer, but fear paralyzed her. Every step felt insurmountable, every breath sharp and shallow as if...