Alexander barely recognized the sterile haze of the intensive care unit. The bright overhead lamps cast harsh shadows across the monitors, each beep and fluttering wave a stark reminder of Olivia's fragile condition. He stood at her bedside, hand clasped around hers, as Dr. Chen and a pulmonologist consulted quietly at the foot of the bed.
Dr. Chen turned, eyes solemn. “Her pulmonary fibrosis has advanced beyond reversible stages. The toxic smoke inhalation three years ago caused multi-organ scarring. Even with our experimental agents, we're looking at weeks… maybe months at best."
Alexander's breath caught. He swallowed, voice thick: “So there's no cure."
The pulmonologist nodded. “We can manage symptoms—oxygen therapy, anti-inflammatories, palliative measures—but the underlying damage
