“Emma? With me?" Sophie's face floated into view, hairline haloed by the recovery room light. “Squeeze my fingers."
Emma found the hand. “Ow."
“Pain is honest," Sophie said softly. “You're okay. You're through the worst."
Clarence's voice came from the chair at her right, low and steady. “Hi."
“What… happened?" Emma's throat was raw; the word scraped.
Sophie glanced toward the curtain, then back. “You bled more. Dr. Alvarez took you to the OR. We managed it safely."
“Managed," Emma repeated, trying the word on.
Dr. Alvarez slipped in, cap off, braid tucked over one shoulder. “Emma. I'm sorry. The pregnancy wasn't viable. You had a significant subchorionic bleed. We performed a D&C to stop the hemorrhage and protect you. Your vitals are stable now."
Emma stared at the blanket, at th
