A Second Heartbeat

The room had been holding its breath for hours.

Dr. Dawson looked at the family in front of her, at the man who had taken one step forward and stopped, at the four people behind him holding onto each other the way people brace themselves for news they cannot control.

"Mr. Mercer," she said. "I know this has been a frightening day for your family."

Evander's jaw moved. "Doctor. Please. Just tell me