Mara shrugged, squeezing his hand.
“Because you look like you lost someone.”
She glanced at the glowing hospital windows.
“And losing people hurts more on Christmas.”
Julian didn’t get to answer.
The hospital doors burst open.
A nurse rushed out, scanning the area like her heart was in her throat.
“Mara!”
Relief flashed across the nurse’s face—then concern snapped it back into place.
“Sweetheart, we need you inside right now.”
Mara’s small fingers tightened around Julian’s.
“Why?”
The nurse crouched, lowering her voice like she was trying not to scare her.
“Your mom collapsed during her shift. She’s awake now, but we’re taking her to the emergency unit to be safe.”
Mara went still.
All the brave-child confidence vanished at once.
“Mommy?” she whispered, tears rising fast. “Is she hurt?”
“She’s exhausted,” the nurse said gently. “She just needs care.”
Mara turned to Julian—panic spilling over.
“Please,” she said, voice breaking, “don’t let me go alone.”
Julian stood before he even realized he was moving.
And in a moment that didn’t feel like a choice at all, he picked her up.
“I’m here,” he murmured. “I’ve got you.”
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