The world above me felt distant and surreal, like a scene from a movie I wasn’t a part of. The cold linoleum pressed against my cheek, grounding me in the reality of the situation. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat echoing in my ears like a drum.
Emily remained motionless by the door, her small frame a fragile barricade against whatever was about to unfold. I could see her shoes, her favorite pair with the sparkly laces. She was so brave, standing there between them and me.
“Where is she?” the doctor’s voice was unfamiliar, his tone clipped and professional.
