As Paul and Jasmine hurriedly exited the conference center, a wave of urgency washed over him. He swiftly guided her towards the rental car, his heart racing as he noticed the pallor of her skin. With a flick of a switch, he activated the emergency lights, the bright flashes cutting through the dim afternoon light as he accelerated down the road, weaving through stop signs and running red lights with reckless abandon. Jasmine's condition was deteriorating—her normally vibrant spirit now overshadowed by a deep-rooted pain gripping her lower abdomen. Paul clasped her hand tightly in his, his thumb brushing across her knuckles in an attempt to soothe her fears.
"Just hold on, Jasmine," he urged, his voice strained but steady. "We're almost there. Everything is going to be okay." He struggled to keep his focus on the road while stealing worried glances at her, noticing her tears and the way she leaned against the passenger seat, fighting to maintain composure.
When they arrived at the hospital, Paul parked the rental car haphazardly in front of the main entrance, the engine still running as he jumped out and rushed to her side. He gently helped her out, and with an arm around her waist for support, he guided her toward the entrance. In the waiting room, he settled her into a chair, her body trembling and visibly in distress, before sprinting to the front desk.
His words came out in a rush, laced with panic and desperation. "Please! My wife needs help immediately! She's so weak and in a lot of pain!" The urgency in his voice echoed throughout the nearly empty emergency room, which was stark and sterile under the bright fluorescent lights.
The only other occupant, an elderly man leafing through a magazine, paused at the commotion. He looked over, his brow furrowing as he took in the sight of Jasmine—her face pale, tears streaming down her cheeks, and her body rocking gently back and forth as if seeking some comfort to help with the pain.
The receptionist, was a calm and composed woman with an understanding expression, she attempted to suppress Paul's rising volume. "Sir, I understand you're anxious, but you have to lower your toon.But it was no use; Paul's anxiety only intensified.
The situation was escalating in the waiting room, the older man intervened, his voice low but firm. "Young man, please, take a breath. I can see how much you care for your wife, but shouting won't expedite the help she needs." His words cut through the tension, reminding Paul to focus on what mattered most—getting Jasmine the care she so desperately required.
Paul took a deep breath, realizing the man was right, and lowered his tone.
Just then, a nurse came from the back with a wheelchair. She helped Jasmine into it and rolled her away as Paul gave the receptionist her information.
While the nurse wheeled Jasmine to a room, she asked gently, "What seems to be the problem?"
Jasmine tried her best to explain. "I feel weak, and I'm in a lot of pain."
The nurse asked, "Where exactly is the pain, and how long have you been feeling like this?"
Jasmine cradled her hand over her lower abdomen, a crease of worry forming on her forehead. "The pain is mostly in my lower stomach," she explained, her voice trembling slightly, "but now it's starting to spread out to my back. I just discovered I was pregnant three weeks ago. I've had some discomfort here and there, but I convinced myself it was just morning sickness."
When they arrived at the examination room, the nurse assisted Jasmine out of the wheelchair. As Jasmine slowly stood up, the nurse couldn't help but notice a dark stain in the back of her dress, it appeared to be a large bloodstain. Jasmine started to feel the stream coming down her leg. Jasmine's eyes widened in horror as she looked down, her heart racing.
"No, no, no," she gasped, her breath quickening. Panic set in as she clutched her abdomen tighter. "You have to save my baby! Please, help me!"
The nurse training kicked in, as she hurried out to gather the doctor. The few seconds she was gone felt like an eternity, Jasmine's mind raced with fears and hopes, desperate prayers forming on her lips. When the medical team returned, they had a sense of urgency to help Jasmine, as they wheeled in an ultrasound machine to help track the baby's heart.
