“Emily,” she began slowly, “I need to double-check something in the hospital records. It seems there might have been… a mix-up.” Emily frowned, confused. “A mix-up?” The doctor hesitated. “Your baby’s postnatal results aren’t matching the file we have on record.” The words hung there, heavy and impossible. For a moment, Emily couldn’t breathe.
“What does that even mean?” Dr. Wilson hesitated, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. “It means… the records don’t align with your baby’s tests. The identification bands might have been switched after delivery.” Emily stared at her, not understanding. “Switched?” The doctor swallowed hard. “Emily… the baby you’ve been caring for isn’t biologically yours.”