493 Heartbeats


(Winona)

The gel is cold, but I don't care. I need this done. Dr. Harris adjusts the probe on my stomach, her face neutral as she stares at the monitor.

Jayden sits beside me, his hand gripping mine. Lisa is standing at the end of the bed, arms crossed, her eyes flicking between me and the screen. Cass perches on the bedside out of the way. I'm grateful for their support.

"Let's see," Dr. Harris says. Her tone is calm, but it doesn't ease the storm raging inside me.

My breath comes in shallow bursts, and I glance at Jayden. He hasn't let go of my hand since they rolled the machine in. He looks focused, his eyes glued to the screen.

Lisa breaks the silence first. "Should it take this long?" Her voice is sharp, her worry evident.

Dr. Harris keeps her tone steady. "Sometimes the baby's position makes it harder to pick up a signal. Let's not assume anything yet."

""Easier said than done," Cass says.

I can't help but agree. My mouth is dry. "Doctor, should I be worried?"

Dr. Harris meets my eyes briefly. "Try not to stress, Winona. The baby's position or the placenta could be blocking the signal. It doesn't mean anything conclusive." "Or..." My voice cracks, and I hate how fragile I sound.

Jayden squeezes my hand firmly. "Don't go there yet," he says, his voice low and steady.

"You're not scared?" I whisper, my eyes searching his face.

doesn't answer right away. When he does, his voice is barely

hums through the room, filling the silence like an unwelcome guest. I strain to

as I ask, "Why can't I hear it? Is it supposed

the screen. "Let's try tilting your pelvis

manage that," I say,

Jayden helps me shift.

adjusting the probe again. "Or they move around quickly, making it hard to pin them down." "Maybe we've got an early sprinter

it is," I say, forcing

I hold my breath. The static fills the air again, an unbearable sound. My throat is tight, and glance at Jayden,

any sign of reassurance.

steady. "It's okay," he says softly. "Whatever happens, we'll get through it.

always known this was a risk. But we've also always known we can handle

my eyes,

okay, that we'll be okay, no

we lose this baby.

movements slow and deliberate. The screen flickers, shapes shifting in shades of gray

was that?" I ask,

moving the probe. "Could

forward, his body tense. "Something? What does that mean? Was that the

says, her tone careful. "It could also be interference from your own pulse. Let

My heart sinks, and I feel Jayden's hand tighten

I ask, panic creeping into my

after you've had a

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