The call came at 2:47 PM on a Tuesday that had started like any other. I was in a video conference with our Tokyo branch when Sarah burst into my office, her face pale with panic.
"Mrs. Romano, you need to get to St. Mary's Hospital immediately," she said, her usual composure shattered. "Emma's had an accident."
My world tilted sideways. The people on my screen kept talking, but I couldn't hear them over the sound of my heart pounding in my ears. Emma. My baby. My everything.
"What happened?" I asked, already grabbing my purse, my hands shaking so badly I could barely hold it.
"The school called. She fell at recess—something about the playground equipment. Lucas is already on his way, but they said..." Sarah's voice broke. "They said it's serious, Mrs. Romano. They need you there immed
