During my night shift, two trauma patients arrived at the er—and i froze when i recognized my husband and sister-in-law. instead of breaking down, i made a choice no one saw coming.

turned sharply. “We need full lockdown. Now.”

Vanessa finally stood.

“Do you understand now?” she said softly. “Nothing tonight was random.”

My mother coughed, blood on her lips, and added, “He was never meant to die… only to be used.”

Marcus’s hand twitched toward me.

I stepped back.

For the first time all night, I wasn’t in control of anything.

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