In that agonizingly long second before the guy spoke, I reminded myself, "She's not dead."

"Emily is doing well. She will recover quickly. If you're interested, you may visit her. "

When I finally felt relief, I almost lost control of my legs. My feet were shaking as I followed the nurse to her hospital room, but I kept my balance and made it there without falling.

As soon as I entered her room, I rushed to her side and took her little hand in mine. That warmth assured me that she was still among us. However, her normally pink cheeks were a dull gray, and her big lips were...