Vanessa sat quietly in the clinic room, cradling baby Leo as he reached out to hug Milo—his best friend in the world. The two toddlers had grown up side by side at the care center, always together, always comforting one another. But today was different. Leo’s condition had deteriorated, and the doctors said it was time to say goodbye.
Dr. Henderson stood by with a clipboard in hand, ready to begin the final procedure. But as Milo was gently lifted and carried out of the room, Leo wailed in panic, stretching his tiny arms toward him. Vanessa had never seen him react like this—like he knew something was terribly wrong.
Her gut churned as the door closed behind Milo. Leo continued sobbing uncontrollably, trying to wiggle from her arms toward the door. Dr. Henderson hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward. But Vanessa’s instincts kicked in. Something about this felt off—and she wasn’t about to ignore it.