Chapter 4 - THE HOSPITAL SAFE HAVEN
The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the private room on the fourth floor of St. Jude’s Hospital.
Nora lay in the hospital bed, IV lines connected to her arm as medical monitors beeped rhythmically in the quiet space.
In two plastic bassinet cribs beside her bed slept her newborn twins, a boy and a girl, soundly wrapped in warm hospital blankets.
Dr. Sarah Lin stepped into the room, holding a medical chart and looking at Nora with deep, maternal sympathy.
"Your body went through severe physical trauma, Nora," Dr. Lin said gently, checking the pulse monitor. "If Officer Miller hadn't arrived when he did, neither you nor the babies would have survived."
Tears overflowed Nora's dark brown lashes, trailing down her pale cheeks as she reached out to touch her daughter's tiny hand.
"They are safe now," Nora whispered, feeling a fierce, protective instinct bloom inside her heart. "I will never let anyone hurt them again."
A soft knock sounded at the door, and Officer Miller stepped inside, removing his uniform cap out of respect.
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"How are you feeling, ma'am?" James asked softly, his gentle tone completely different from his harsh demeanor on the porch.
"I am alive, Officer Miller," Nora replied, offering a faint, courageous smile. "And that is thanks to you."
