A moment later, she said, “I told her to stay close.”

The sentence held more than one fear.

She had wanted Chloe near.

She had not meant for her daughter to manage an emergency while two newborns grew weaker.

The clinical team could not undo that.

They could explain what was happening now and help arrange the next conversation safely.

Chloe was told her mother had opened her eyes before she was brought into the room.

A staff member explained that Clara would look tired and might have equipment nearby.