Sylvia remained seated three chairs away, staring directly at the wall clock while her winter boots tapped a fast, irritated beat on the floor tile.

She cleared her throat loudly twice, waiting for Ethan to look over at her, but Ethan kept his head turned toward June.

At 2:50 AM, the heavy double doors leading into the clinical exam area pulled open with a soft hiss of air.

Dr.

Orla Owens stepped out into the waiting room, holding a yellow chart clipboard against her navy blue scrubs.

She tapped her black pen against the top of her clipboard as her eyes scanned the waiting room seats.