Chapter Twenty-Three: The Return of Dr. Carter

Emma's POV

The day dragged on, each minute ticking by like an eternity. My eyes flicked repeatedly to the clock on the wall, and my heart felt as though it might break free from my chest. I didn't leave the waiting room; I needed to be here.

The door creaked open, and, with a mix of dread and hope, I turned to see who it was. Dr. Carter stepped in, clipboard in hand. Relief started to seep into my bones; he had always been an excellent doctor, even if he was a bit of a flirt.

Dr Carter's eyes softened when they landed on me. “Emma,” he said, moving towards me and taking a seat beside me. His hand found its way to my arm, a supportive gesture. “It looks like what we’re doing is working. His fever is going down.”

I felt a wave of relief so powerful that I had to close my eyes for a moment to keep from tearing up. “Can I see him?” I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper.

Dr Carter nodded and stood, gesturing for me to follow him. As we began walking out of the room, he spoke again,