Two techs burst through double doors pushing a gurney layered in towels. Dr. Hallett followed, snapping on gloves mid-stride, his voice calm but rapid-fire: “Oxygen ready, warm saline, IV set twenty-four gauge, let’s move.” Tessa lowered the carrier; hands guided the cub onto the table while monitors and tubes appeared as if conjured.
A nurse caught Tessa’s sleeve, steering her away from the controlled chaos. “We’ve got it from here—please wait in the lobby.” She tried to protest, but the tech had already vanished through swinging doors that flapped once, then sealed, leaving only the mingled scents of iodine and fear behind her.