Zoe's gaze remained fixed on the unconscious Penelope. After a long moment, she shook her head. "He's still not awake. The doctor says he's still in critical condition. I can't leave."

Christopher deemed it imperative not to wait any longer. Given Penelope's current condition, life and death hung in the balance.

If something were to happen to him now, Zoe's already fragile health would deteriorate further. Facing Penelope's potential demise, she might not even survive long enough for the heart transplant.

Moreover, even after the transplant, there would be a lengthy recovery and rejection period ahead. Enduring that time would require avoiding undue stress.

Christopher urged her solemnly, "With doctors...