The readout on the side monitor showed ninety-four in bright green.

“Does that mean her lungs are expanding on their own?” I asked.

“It means the deep inflammation from the early delivery is starting to settle,” Dr.

Vance said, making a neat blue check mark on the top chart sheet.

“We’re keeping her on the ventilator overnight to let her rest, but this is the first real sign of stability we’ve seen.”

Kevin let out a long, quiet breath, and his heavy shoulders dropped three inches.