Elisabeth's POV
Thirty-three seconds.
I counted without meaning to, watching the digital clock on the monitor until her sharp intake of breath cut through the suffocating silence. Everyone in the room had frozen in place, nurses included, as if moving might somehow undo whatever impossible thing we'd just witnessed. Kelly's eyes flew open, wide and panicked, darting frantically around the sterile hospital room.
I forced myself out of my shock and rushed to her bedside. My legs felt unsteady, but I maintained my professional composure as I leaned over her.
"Kelly?" My voice came out softer than intended, though steady. "Can you tell me how you're feeling?"
She didn't respond immediately. Her hands trembled as they moved across her chest and arms, as though she needed to confirm she was real. When her gaze finally met mine, I saw recognition battling with complete bewilderment.
