Dr. Elias remained at Daniella's bedside, watching the fetal monitor while the nurses continued working around her.
The medication had settled her into a deeper sleep, yet the room never became still. One nurse stayed responsible for Daniella's vital signs while another kept the IV lines running and prepared the blood that had been ordered, and every few moments Dr. Elias checked the monitor himself before looking back at Daniella's abdomen and the dressing beneath her.
The fetal heartbeat continued at a reassuring rate. For the moment, that was the most important thing in the room.
The nurse handling the blood finally returned and spoke quietly. "The crossmatch is confirmed, Doctor."
"Keep it ready," Dr. Elias instructed. "We don't need to start it unless her numbers or bleeding indicate that she needs it."
"Yes, Doctor."
