They Asked for Thirty Lemon Desserts While My Newborn Fought to Breathe

The small blue blanket she had been sleeping under was tossed in a heap near the foot of the bed.

I pressed my right palm flat against the bandage under my gown and felt the hot blood pulsing under the thick gauze.

I stood up straight, ignoring the sharp spike of pain that made the room tilt sideways for a second.

I took three long, limping strides across the small rug and shoved the heavy wooden door open with my shoulder.

The corridor was bright with red warning lights flashing along the upper molding every few feet.