108 Separated Again

(Winona)

The stillness in the room is deafening, every second stretching out unbearably as I lean over Abby. She isn’t breathing but I can hear a slow, faint heartbeat in my ear as I press it to her chest.

“Call 911!” I cry out as I prepare to get some breaths into Abby. I’m too scared to try compressions as it may do more damage than help.

Phillip’s voice breaks through my fog of panic. “I’m on it, calling them now!” His voice is laced with urgency.

“Tell them she’s under Dr. Green at St. Michael’s hospital. She needs to go there.”

His words tumble out as he speaks. “Yes, it’s an emergency. My daughter, she’s... she’s not breathing and she just had heart surgery two months ago. We need an ambulance now!”

I hear him recounting details of the hospital and doctor. He tells them what I’m doing. I’m giving her gentle but regular breaths. Please let it help.

Anne talks now. “I’m calling Sheila Hobbs.”

As I continue the breaths, slowly puffing air into Abby’s lungs, Phillip kneels beside u