I told them they were hurting the baby…”

“Don’t make yourself talk,” I said.

“They said…” Her grip tightened.

“The baby was a mistake.”

The woman beside us told her they were going to lift her now.

I moved because I was told to move.

I stood because they needed the space.

I watched them secure her on the stretcher, keeping the blanket over her body and speaking to her in small, calm instructions.