Lifeblood in the Balance

RUBY

"You're a match. I can't believe it."

The doctor's words hung in the sterile air of the hospital hallway, his face twisted with disbelief. I didn't have time to explain or convince him. Every second mattered.

"Yes, I'm ABX. Test me, confirm it, whatever you need—just hurry." My voice cracked with urgency.

The medical team sprang into action around me. A nurse gripped my elbow, guiding me toward a side lab while another rushed ahead to prepare equipment. Everything moved too fast and yet not fast enough.

"This way, Miss West," the nurse said, her voice calm despite the urgency.

I caught a glimpse of Vanessa as they whisked me away—my sister, frozen in the hallway, her face a portrait of shock. The complex tangle of our relationship faded to background noise. Right now, nothing mattered except the little boy fighting for his life.