Chapter 2: The Room Went Silent
The emergency room smelled of antiseptic and freshly cleaned floors.
Daniel stood beside Maya's hospital bed, watching a nurse adjust the pillow beneath her head.
He had carried her through the hospital entrance, but now he was careful not to touch her stomach.
"Is that better?"" he asked.
Maya nodded weakly.
"A little.""
The nurse checked her vital signs and attached a small identification band around her wrist.
"I'm Sarah," she said warmly.
"I'm going to ask you a few questions, Maya.""
Maya looked toward her father.
Daniel pulled a chair closer.
"You can take your time," he told her.
Sarah glanced at the chart.
"Can you tell me where the pain is strongest?""
Maya pointed toward her abdomen.
"Here. Sometimes it feels like it's everywhere.""
"Has it been getting worse?""
"Yes.""
Sarah made a note.
"Have you felt dizzy or nauseated?""
"A little.""
Daniel leaned forward.
"Is she going to be okay?""
"We're going to have the doctor examine her and determine what's happening.""
Diane stood at the foot of the bed, holding Maya's red hoodie, which had been removed during the examination.
She hadn't said much since arriving.
When Daniel looked at her, she quickly turned toward the window.
A few minutes later, Dr. Reynolds entered.
He was a middle-aged physician with a calm voice and a serious expression.
"Hello, Maya. I'm Dr. Reynolds.""
"Hi.""
"I understand you're having significant abdominal pain.""
Maya nodded.
"I'm sorry you're hurting. I'm going to examine you, and we'll arrange an ultrasound so we can get a better picture of what's happening.""
Daniel stood.
"Whatever tests she needs, please do them.""
"Of course.""
The doctor examined Maya carefully, explaining each step before proceeding.
When he finished, he turned toward the nurse.
"Let's arrange the ultrasound.""
Sarah nodded.
"I'll prepare the room.""
Daniel looked relieved to hear that something was finally happening.
"How long will that take?""
"Not long," Sarah replied.
"We'll get her there as soon as possible.""
Maya reached for her father's hand again.
"Can you come with me?""
"Absolutely.""
Diane stepped closer.
"I'll come too.""
Maya glanced at her mother but said nothing.
The ultrasound room was quieter than the emergency department.
The lights were dimmed, and a monitor stood beside the examination bed. A small machine hummed softly in the corner.
Sarah helped Maya settle into position.
"Just relax as much as you can," she said.
Daniel stood near Maya's head, holding her hand.
Diane remained at the foot of the bed.
Dr. Reynolds entered a moment later.
"All right, Maya. We're going to take a closer look.""
He began the examination.
The monitor flickered.
Gray and black shapes appeared across the screen.
Daniel watched the doctor's face, trying to understand what he was seeing.
"Is that normal?"" he asked.
Dr. Reynolds didn't immediately respond.
He adjusted the equipment and examined another area.
Sarah stood beside the monitor, checking the images.
Then something changed.
The doctor stopped moving.
He looked at the screen again.
He adjusted the angle.
Then he leaned closer.
"Could you enlarge that section?"" he asked Sarah.
"Of course.""
The image shifted.
Daniel looked from the monitor to the doctor.
"What is it?""
"Just give me another moment," Dr. Reynolds replied.
His voice was still professional, but something about his expression had changed.
Sarah noticed it too.
She looked at the monitor, then at the doctor.
For several seconds, neither of them spoke.
Maya turned her head.
"Dad?""
Daniel immediately looked down.
"I'm here.""
"What's happening?""
"I don't know yet, sweetheart.""
"Why isn't anyone saying anything?""
Daniel swallowed.
"Let the doctor finish.""
At the foot of the bed, Diane had become unusually still.
Her fingers were wrapped around Maya's folded hoodie.
She wasn't looking at Daniel.
She was watching the screen.
Dr. Reynolds continued examining the images, moving slowly and carefully.
Finally, he lowered the equipment.
"Sarah, please save these images.""
"Yes, Doctor.""
He studied the monitor one more time.
Daniel stepped closer.
"Doctor, did you find something?""
The physician didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he looked at Maya, then at her parents.
"How long has she been experiencing this pain?""
Daniel answered.
"Today. It became severe this afternoon.""
Dr. Reynolds nodded.
"And before today?""
Daniel glanced at Diane.
"I don't know. Her mother might know more.""
Diane adjusted her grip on the hoodie.
"She's had some discomfort.""
"How long?"" the doctor asked.
"Some time.""
Maya looked toward her mother.
"Mom, I told you it hurt.""
"I know, sweetheart.""
"Then why did you say it was nothing?""
Diane opened her mouth.
But before she could answer, Dr. Reynolds stepped away from the ultrasound machine.
He exchanged a brief glance with Sarah.
It was a small movement.
Daniel noticed it.
So did Maya.
The room suddenly felt smaller.
Dr. Reynolds removed his gloves and placed them in the disposal container.
"Mr. and Mrs. Carter," he said carefully, "I need to speak with you both.""
Daniel frowned.
"About what?""
May you like
The doctor glanced toward Maya.
"Privately.""
