The shadow in the hospital

The air was cool, but dark clouds hung low, warning of a storm. The first raindrops hit the windshield, then came the downpour. Walker switched on the wipers, gripping the wheel as the road blurred beneath the hammering rain.

Nothing could ruin this day. He and his wife, Elizabeth, were finally heading to Paris for their honeymoon.

“This is going to be the best day of my life,” Elizabeth said, reaching over to stroke his beard before pressing a soft kiss on his cheek.

“Oh yeah?” he grinned, keeping his eyes on the road.

“I’ve never been to Paris,” she murmured, staring out the window with a dreamy smile.

“Neither have I,” he admitted, glancing at her.

“I can’t wait to see the Eiffel Tower. It’s so beautiful in pictures.”

Walker raised an eyebrow. “Seen it with some ex-boyfriend?”

She laughed, swatting his arm. “No! My friend from Romania went on a business trip and sent me pictures.”

“Uh-huh,” he teased, reaching over to nudge her. “Bet he’s handsome.”

Elizabeth rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “You’re impossible.”

Walker chuckled, his hand brushing her shoulder.

“Keep your eyes on the road!” she scolded playfully.

“You know I can’t resist—”

Her laughter died. Her eyes widened.

“Walker! The bridge—it’s broken!”

His stomach dropped. He looked up—too late.

The bridge ahead was gone. Only jagged remnants remained.

He stomped the brakes. The tires screeched. The car spun, skidding across the slick road. For a heartbeat, they were weightless. Then—

Impact.

Metal crunched. The world turned upside down.

Silence.

Walker gasped awake, the sting in his leg sharp, but the pain in his chest sharper. He turned—Elizabeth.

She was still. Her eyes closed.

“Elizabeth?” His voice cracked. He struggled, shattered the window with his elbow, then crawled out and limped to her side.

“Baby, wake up.” His trembling hands cupped her face, feeling for breath. She was alive—but barely. A bruise bloomed across her forehead.

“Help! Someone help us!” Walker shouted into the empty night, but the rain swallowed his cries.

He turned to the bridge, his stomach twisting. They had stopped mere feet from the edge. One more second…

Desperation took over. He stumbled toward the riverbank, filled a bottle, and rushed back. Gently, he poured water over her face.

“Come on, Lizzy, wake up. Please.”

She stirred. A weak groan. His heart soared.

“Elizabeth?” He held her close, relief flooding through him.

Then—she coughed violently. Blood spewed from her mouth.

Walker flinched. His pulse roared in his ears.

“No, no, no,” he muttered, lowering her gently. He sprinted to the car, snatched her purse, found her handkerchief, and pressed it to her lips. Blood seeped through instantly.

He pressed harder. It wouldn’t stop.

Panic surged. His hands shook. His mind raced.

Santander Maternity Hospital—2 kilometers away.

Walker swallowed hard. Their flight was in thirty minutes. Instead, they were stranded in the cold rain, drowning in misfortune.

With a grunt, he scooped Elizabeth into his arms. The rain drenched them both as he staggered forward.

Every step felt heavier. His arms ached. His body screamed for rest, but he refused to stop.

Elizabeth’s breathing slowed. Her skin turned cold.

His chest tightened. “Honey, I won’t lose you,” he whispered, but she didn’t answer.

His breath hitched. “What have I done?”

Elizabeth’s beautiful eyes—the ones that once sparkled with laughter—were fading.

“No. No, no, no—Elizabeth! Not now!” His voice broke, a raw cry against the storm.

Walker had seen death before. He had faced worse situations. But never had he felt this helpless.

Tears burned his eyes as he hoisted her up again, ignoring the pain slicing through his shoulder.

The rain had stopped, but the cold still clung to him like a second skin. The road stretched ahead, empty, silent, suffocating.

Then—something moved.

A rustle in the bushes.

Shadows shifting. Watching.

Walker’s breath hitched.

"Keep it together," he muttered, voice hoarse.

Elizabeth’s head lolled against him, her lips tinged blue.

“Say something, Lizzy. Anything,” he begged. “Don’t you dare leave me like this.”

No response.

His pulse pounded in his ears.

Then—through the darkness, a flickering light.

His heart leaped.

Hope.

Or something else?