Chapter 12: Medical Emergency
The night had barely begun, and already Journey and Turner were racing against the clock. They had just rescued a young woman named Emily from a collapsing building, only to find that she was severely injured and in need of immediate medical attention. Blood seeped from a gash on her head, and she was slipping in and out of consciousness.
"We need to get her to a hospital, fast," Journey said urgently, her eyes scanning Emily's pale face.
Turner nodded, his expression grave. "I'll create a diversion if needed. Let's go."
They rushed through the crowded streets, their powers guiding their way. The nearest hospital was only a few blocks away, but with Emily's condition deteriorating, every second counted.
Upon arriving at the hospital, they were met with chaos. The waiting room was packed with patients and their anxious families. The front desk was overwhelmed with requests, and the triage nurse looked exhausted.
Journey bit her lip, her mind racing.
"We can't wait in line. Emily needs help now."
Turner glanced around, assessing the situation.
"I'll handle the families. You get Emily through."
Journey nodded and took a deep breath, focusing on her power. She reached out and felt the threads of time around her, preparing to manipulate them. She placed a hand on Emily’s shoulder, ensuring she was included in the time bubble she was about to create.
Time slowed around them, the bustling hospital suddenly moving at a snail’s pace. Journey navigated through the frozen crowd, weaving her way to the front desk. She caught the triage nurse's eye, who appeared startled by her sudden appearance.
"Please, we need immediate help," Journey said, her voice calm but urgent.
"This girl is in critical condition."
The nurse blinked, trying to process the sudden shift.
"O-okay, let me get a doctor."
Journey watched as the nurse moved at an agonizingly slow pace, then decided to take matters into her own hands. She carefully lifted Emily and hurried through the hallways, searching for an available doctor.
Meanwhile, Turner stood in the waiting room, surrounded by worried families. He closed his eyes and focused, creating multiple echoes of himself. The duplicates spread out, each one offering comfort and reassurance to those waiting.
One of Turner's echoes approached a distressed mother cradling her crying baby. "Ma'am, I know it's tough, but the doctors are doing their best. Your child will be seen soon."
Another echo sat beside an elderly man who was anxiously wringing his hands.
"Sir, I understand your concern. We're working to make sure everyone gets the care they need."
Turner's echoes moved through the room, their presence calming and supportive. The worried families began to relax, their anxiety easing under the soothing words and gestures of Turner's duplicates.
Back in the hallway, Journey finally spotted a doctor emerging from a patient room. "Doctor, we need help now!" she called, still holding Emily in her arms.
The doctor, a tall woman with kind eyes, hurried over.
"What happened?"
"She was injured in a building collapse. She's lost a lot of blood and is barely conscious," Journey explained quickly.
The doctor nodded, her expression serious. "Bring her to this room. I'll call for a trauma team."
Journey followed the doctor into a nearby room, gently placing Emily on the examination table. The doctor immediately began assessing her injuries, calling out orders to the nurses who had arrived to assist.
Journey released her hold on time, allowing it to resume its normal flow. The room erupted into action, the medical team working swiftly and efficiently to stabilize Emily. Journey stepped back, her heart pounding as she watched.
Meanwhile, Turner continued to comfort the families in the waiting room. One of his echoes sat beside a young boy who was clutching his arm in pain.
"Hey, buddy. The doctors will see you soon. Just hang in there a little longer."
The boy nodded, his tear-filled eyes meeting Turner's.
"It hurts."
"I know it does," Turner said gently.
"But you're being really brave. Can you be strong for just a bit more?"
The boy sniffled but nodded again, a small spark of courage in his eyes. Turner smiled and ruffled the boy's hair before moving to the next anxious family.
Back in the trauma room, Journey watched anxiously as the doctor and nurses worked on Emily. The steady beep of the monitors filled the room, a stark reminder of the urgency of the situation.
The doctor looked up at Journey. "We've stabilized her for now, but she needs surgery to repair the internal bleeding. It's going to be touch and go."
Journey nodded, her relief mixed with worry. "Thank you, doctor. Please, do everything you can."
The doctor gave her a reassuring nod. "We will. She's in good hands."
Journey stepped out of the room, her heart heavy. She walked back to the waiting room, where she found Turner still comforting the families. His echoes had done wonders, and the room was noticeably calmer.
"How's Emily?" Turner asked, his concern evident.
Journey sighed. "She's stable for now, but she needs surgery. The doctor said it's going to be a tough one."
Turner nodded, his expression determined. "She'll pull through. We just have to keep believing."
They both took seats in the waiting room, blending in with the other worried visitors. Time seemed to stretch endlessly as they waited for news about Emily.
Hours passed, and the waiting room slowly emptied as patients were seen and treated. Turner and Journey stayed by Emily's side in spirit, their thoughts with her as she fought for her life in the operating room.
Finally, the doctor emerged, looking exhausted but relieved. She approached Journey and Turner, who stood up anxiously.
"The surgery was successful," the doctor said with a tired smile. "Emily is stable and recovering in the ICU. She has a long road ahead, but she's going to make it."
Journey felt a rush of relief and gratitude. "Thank you so much, doctor."
Turner echoed her sentiments. "We can't thank you enough."
The doctor nodded. "Just doing my job. She’s a fighter. With some time and care, she’ll recover."
Journey and Turner exchanged a relieved glance. "We should let her family know," Journey said.
Turner nodded, looking around the now much quieter waiting room. "Let's go find them."
They located Emily's parents in a smaller waiting area. The couple looked up, their faces etched with worry. When they saw Journey and Turner, they stood up, hope and fear mingling in their eyes.
"How's our daughter?" Emily's mother asked, her voice trembling.
Journey smiled warmly. "She's out of surgery and stable. She's in the ICU now, but the doctors are hopeful."
Emily's parents both sighed with relief, tears streaming down their faces. "Thank you," her father said, his voice choked with emotion. "Thank you for saving her."
Turner placed a reassuring hand on the man's shoulder. "She's strong. She’s going to be okay."
As Emily's parents hurried off to see their daughter, Turner and Journey shared a quiet moment of triumph. They had navigated the chaos and found a way to help someone in desperate need.
"Looks like we made a good team today," Turner said, his eyes twinkling with pride.
Journey nodded, her heart full. "We always do. And we always will."
With a final look around the hospital, they turned to leave, knowing that there were still many more challenges ahead. But for now, they had won a significant victory, and that was enough to keep them going.