The world outside the operating room seemed to slow down.
But inside, time was slipping away far too fast.
"BP dropping again!"
"Fetal heart rate unstable!"
"Prepare for emergency intervention—now!"
Vivian lay motionless under the harsh surgical lights. The soft glow that once warmed her skin had faded, replaced by a frightening paleness that made every passing second feel heavier.
Sweat gathered along her temples, sliding slowly down the side of her face. Her fingers twitched faintly—just once—before going still again.
The lead doctor's voice cut through the tension. "We are not losing both. Do you hear me? Not both."
A nurse nodded quickly as she adjusted the monitors, while another checked the IV line with growing concern.
"Doctor… this reaction is too sudden," one of them said.
"Focus," he replied sharply. "We stabilize first."
But even as he spoke, something about the situation felt wrong.
The drop was too fast. Too precise.
