Chapter 14 - Breathing for Nora
Daniel stood against the NICU wall and watched a team of people work with remarkable calm. The nurse stimulated Nora gently, adjusted her breathing support, and watched her numbers rise.
"She's responding," the neonatologist said.
Only then did Daniel realize he'd been holding his breath.
Premature babies sometimes forgot to breathe for brief stretches, the doctor explained. Nora would need close monitoring and support while her lungs and nervous system matured. No one promised an easy road, but they had a plan.
When Daniel returned to Emily, she searched his face before he spoke.
"She's stable," he said. "They helped her."
Emily closed her eyes. "I want to see her."
As soon as she was cleared to visit, a nurse wheeled her to Nora's incubator. The room hummed with machines and quiet voices. Emily slipped a finger through the access port, and Nora's impossibly small hand rested against it.
"You don't have to be brave every second," Emily whispered. "We'll take turns."
Daniel stood behind her. A security officer appeared at the unit's entrance. Margaret had come to the hospital, claiming she needed to see her granddaughter and offering to fund a new wing if staff made an exception.
"She is not an authorized visitor," Emily said.
"Understood," the officer replied. "She won't enter."
Margaret left a white box of baby clothes. Emily asked the nurse to donate it wherever it could be useful. She wanted no gift with a debt hidden inside it.
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That evening June called with news from Ruiz. Officers had attempted to speak with Rosa at the agreed time, but her house was empty. Her daughter was safe with relatives, and Rosa's phone was switched off.
The last message Rosa had sent was only four words: I'M SORRY. I'M SCARED.
