After what felt like hours, the double doors of the emergency room finally swung open, and a doctor stepped out. His white coat was smeared faintly with blood, and the sight made Melissa’s heart seize.
"Damian Vega's family?" he called.
Melissa shot to her feet. "Yes, I’m here. Please… how is he?" Her voice trembled, and her grip on Pearl’s hand tightened.
The doctor took a deep breath, his gaze steady but heavy. "We were able to remove the bullets," he began, pausing briefly as if to measure his words. "But one of the bullets hit his spine. I’m afraid he won’t be able to walk for a while. Unless there’s a miracle…"
Melissa’s legs buckled, and she sank back into the chair. Her eyes were wide, disbelief written all over her face. "What… what do you mean?" she whispered.
"You’ll need t
