Michael Co had never believed in irony.
He believed in preparation. In protocols. In boundaries carefully negotiated and fiercely defended.
That belief was shattered at exactly 1:47 a.m.
A Call That Should Not Have Come
The condo was silent except for the rhythmic hum of the baby monitor. Michael lay awake, staring at the ceiling, one arm draped protectively over Marnie, who slept curled against his side. The twins had finally settled after a long evening, and for the first time in hours, the world felt still.
His phone vibrated.
Once.
Twice.
Michael’s body reacted before his mind did. He reached for the phone instinctively, heart already pounding.
Unknown Hospital Extension.
He stared at it.
This was not supposed to happen.
He had been explicit. No emergency calls unless pre-a
