“I need help!” he shouted as he burst through the emergency room doors, his voice commanding but frantic. A team of nurses quickly surrounded them, wheeling a stretcher forward. Nicholas hesitated only for a second before laying Emily down, his hand lingering on hers.
“Sir, we need you to step back,” one of the nurses said firmly, already assessing Emily’s vitals.
“No,” Nicholas said sharply, his voice breaking. “I’m not leaving her.”
Emily tried to open her eyes, but her strength had left her. All she could do was let herself lean into the security of his embrace as he held her tightly, his protective arms shielding her from the world.
“Please, sir,” the nurse insisted, her tone gentler now. “We’ll take care of her. You can stay nearby.”
Nicholas reluctantly released Emily’s hand, watching as they wheeled her away.
His knees felt weak, and he stumbled back into one of the waiting room chairs, his head dropping into his hands.