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Cliffhanger:
\nI had picked up an extra shift. I dropped Olivia off at 6:30 a.m. She clung to me longer than usual, her small body trembling. \u201cBe good, Livvy,\u201d I said, kissing her forehead. I didn\u2019t know that was the last time I would see the light in her eyes for a very long time.<\/p>\n
The hospital was a war zone that day. A pile-up on the interstate meant the ER was flooded with trauma cases. I spent twelve hours running on adrenaline and caffeine, stitching wounds and soothing terrified patients.<\/p>\n
At 3:00 p.m., my phone buzzed. A text from Mom: Olivia is fine. Busy day here. Don\u2019t worry about calling.<\/p>\n
I smiled, thinking she was being considerate.<\/p>\n
At 6:00 p.m., during my only break, I called to check in. No answer. I called the landline. No answer. I texted Hannah: Heading out soon. How\u2019s my girl?<\/p>\n
No response.<\/p>\n
A cold dread, heavy and irrational, settled in my gut. By 7:00 p.m., as I clocked out, the silence from my family felt deafening. I called Hannah again. This time, she picked up.<\/p>\n
Hey, Megan,\u201d she said. Her voice was too high, too casual.<\/p>\n
Hi. I\u2019m leaving work. Is Olivia ready?\u201d<\/p>\n
There was a pause. A long, static-filled silence that stretched until my skin prickled.<\/p>\n
Actually\u2026 I was about to call you. Is she with you?\u201d<\/p>\n