She pulled the oxygen mask down slightly with a trembling hand.

“Emily,” she whispered, her voice dry and raspy. “I kept them.”

She tapped her fingers against the thick folder.

“They tried to tell me I was confused,” she said.

“They told me the treatment was standard,” she whispered.

“I know, Mom,” I said, brushing a wet strand of hair from her cheek. “I know the truth now.”

“She needs to be moved to the intensive care unit immediately,” Dr. Aris said, gesturing to a nurse.

“But not in this wing,” Dr. Aris added. “We are transferring her to the university hospital across town.”

“They have the specialized toxicology and respiratory teams she needs,” the doctor said.

“I will go with her,” I said, looking at Sarah.

Sarah shook her head gently and pointed toward the glass front doors of the lobby.

“You need to stay here for just a moment, Emily,” Sarah said.

A black sedan had just pulled up to the curb outside, its headlights cutting through the heavy rain.

The passenger door opened, and Daniel stepped out into the downpour.