Chapter 52

• Suddenly, a sharp voice broke through her thoughts. “Dr. Valco, this is not the time to stare—assist!” Dr. Carman’s tone was clipped, bordering on scolding, as he noticed her standing frozen instead of moving to help.
• Charlotte’s eyes snapped up, meeting his with a fierce edge. “I’m assessing the patient, Dr. Carman,” she replied firmly.
• The sharp clang of surgical tools punctuated the tense silence as the operation began. Dr. Carman's hands moved with precise, practiced strokes, carefully dissecting to reach the ruptured pericardium. Beside him, Dr. Robert monitored the monitors intently, voice low but urgent. “The rupture is larger than initial scans suggested. The pericardial tear extends close to the left ventricle. We must proceed carefully to avoid further damage.”