Mia
They explain everything before they do it.
The doctor stands at the foot of the bed, calm and thorough, walking me through each step like I haven’t already been memorizing every word for days. I nod when I’m supposed to, answer questions automatically, but my focus never leaves my mom.
The ventilator fills the room.
In. Out.
In. Out.
That’s all I’ve heard for days now.
But soon, I won’t.
“If she tolerates the removal well, we’ll let her rest,” the doctor says. “It could take a few hours before she wakes fully. That’s normal.”
A few hours feels like a lifetime.
“Okay,” I manage. My voice sounds steadier than I feel.
A nurse steps closer, adjusting the bed slightly, explaining softly what she’s doing—even to my mom, even though she’s still sedated.
“Alright, Lily,” she says g
