I looked down at the silver key in my palm.

The metal felt heavy and cold.

I walked back to Luca’s crib and sat in the vinyl chair next to him.

Sullivan was busy typing on a computer terminal across the room.

“We are going to start him on the new antibiotic now,” Sullivan said without looking up.

“It should take effect within the hour.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” I whispered.

The hours passed slowly.

The room grew dark as the sun set outside.

The only light came from the green screen of the heart monitor.

Luca’s breathing seemed easier now.

His chest rose and fell in a steady, gentle rhythm.

I must have fallen asleep, my head resting on the edge of the crib.

Suddenly, a sharp vibration woke me.

The phone in my pocket was buzzing.

I pulled it out, my eyes blurry from sleep.

The screen lit up, showing an incoming call from a blocked number.

I pressed the phone to my ear.

“Hello?” I whispered.

There was only static on the line for a moment.

Then, a voice spoke, but it was not Giovanni’s.