The Complication

Maxine stood frozen, her fingers digging desperately into the edge of the reception counter. The emergency room's ambient noise faded into a dull, rushing roar in her ears. The attending doctor stood just feet away, his blue surgical mask dangling beneath his chin. His unreadable, stern expression twisted her stomach into an agonizing knot.

"Doctor, how is she? Is Vivienne going to be okay?" Max