Maddie's POV
The moment I rushed through the sliding glass doors, the sterile scent of the hospital enveloped me, amplifying my anxiety. My heart pounded with worry, a deafening rhythm in my ears. The call informing me of Mariko's hospitalization echoed in my mind, and fear clawed at my insides. The receptionist guided me to the surgical waiting area, where I paced back and forth, my nerves frayed.
Time seemed to stretch endlessly until a tired-looking doctor emerged from the imposing double doors. My eyes locked onto him, and my hands trembled involuntarily. The doctor approached me, his expression somber.
"Are you Maddie?" he inquired gently.
My throat tightened with anxiety as I nodded. "Yes, I'm Maddie. How is Mariko? Can I see him?"
The doctor sighed, his eyes conveying a mixture
