The morning was calm, the air crisp and quiet as Maya stepped out of the car, a bouquet of fresh lilies and white roses cradled in her arms. A gentle breeze stirred the leaves of the trees lining the hospital courtyard, and the building loomed ahead, tall and still, its glass doors reflecting the soft light of the day.

Maya stepped out of the car, a bouquet of fresh lilies and white roses cradled in her arms. She stood still for a moment, brushing a hand over her dress to smooth the wrinkles and steadying herself.

Her heart was racing—not wildly, but with a soft, fluttering rhythm she couldn’t quite...