The NICU became prison. Isolation room. Locked away. Isabella fighting bacteria that could kill her.

"MRSA is serious," the doctor explained. Grim. Honest. "Antibiotic-resistant. Particularly dangerous for preemies. Her immune system is already compromised. Already weak. She's fighting two battles. Survival and infection. That's. That's a lot for a four-week-old."

"What are her chances?" Leo asked. Voice breaking. "Honestly. What are her chances of surviving this?"

"Fifty-fifty. Maybe. We're giving her the strongest antibiotics. Everything we have. But her body has to respond. Has to fight. We can support. But ultimately. She has to survive this herself."

Leo collapsed. Literally. Legs giving out. Dante caught him. Held him up. Kept...