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I try to speak, but my words come out in a jumbled mess. "She...we were just sitting here. Having tea. And then she...she made this noise. And her arm...she said her arm was numb."
The EMT nods, jotting down notes. "Anything else?"
"I don't know," I sob, frustration rising. "I should have noticed sooner. I should have—"
“It’s okay, hon,” his partner says as she kneels down next to Birdie. “We’ve got her.”
The EMTs move swiftly, their calm efficiency both reassuring and unnerving. One checks Birdie's vitals while the other asks me more questions.
“Did she say anything else before collapsing? Any other symptoms you can remember?”
I rack my brain, but it’s like trying to hold water in my hands. “She...she looked pale earlier. Maybe a little tired. But she always brushes it off, says it’s just age catching up with her.” My voice wavers, guilt heavy in my chest.
The female EMT glances at her partner, a silent exchange passing between them. “Okay, ma’am, we’re going to get her to the hospital now. She’s stable enough to move, but time is critical.”
I watch as they secure Birdie onto the stretcher, strapping her in with practiced care. Her head lolls slightly to the side, and I resist the urge to reach out and smooth back her hair.
“Birdie?” I whisper, as if saying her name might wake her.
“She’s unresponsive right now, but that doesn’t mean she can’t hear you,” the EMT says gently, as they wheel her toward the front of the house.
I follow closely, my steps stumbling as panic grips me again. The sight of the ambulance parked at the curb feels surreal, like a scene I’m watching unfold in someone else’s life.
When they load her into the back, I step forward instinctively. “I’m coming with her.”
The EMT hesitates, his expression apologetic. “I’m sorry, ma’am. Unless you’re immediate family, we can’t allow you to ride in the ambulance.”
“I—” My voice cracks. “She doesn’t have anyone else. Please.”
The man softens, but his response remains firm. “I know this is hard, but you can follow us in your car. We’ll make sure she’s in the best hands when we get to the hospital.”
I nod, even though every part of me screams to argue, to demand they let me stay with her. My eyes stay locked on Birdie’s still form as the doors close, sealing her away from me.
"Skylar!"
The familiar voice cuts through my spiral. I whip my head around, my tear-filled eyes landing on two figures rushing towards me. Theo and Cohen. My heart lurches at the sight of them, a confusing mix of relief and anxiety washing over me.
Theo reaches me first, his hands immediately cupping my face. His touch is electric, grounding me. "What happened?" he demands, his green eyes wild with concern. "Are you hurt?"
I shake my head, fresh tears spilling over. "It's Birdie," I manage to choke out. "She...she collapsed. I don't know what's wrong."
Theo's expression softens, his thumb gently wiping away a tear. "Oh, Sky," he murmurs, and for a moment, I want to lose myself in his embrace, to let him shield me from this nightmare.
But I can't. Not now. Not when Birdie needs me.
I pull back, my gaze darting between Theo and Cohen. "I don't know what to do," I admit, hating how small my voice sounds. "She can't...I can't lose her."
Cohen steps closer, his presence a solid warmth at my back. His hand finds the nape of my neck, strong fingers kneading gently. "We've got you, Skylar," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble that reverberates through me. "We'll take you to the hospital."
I nod, grateful for their support even as guilt gnaws at me. I should have called the ambulance earlier? What if she doesn't make it?
Theo's arm wraps around my waist, steadying me. "Come on, baby," he says softly. "My car's right over there."
The pet name slips out so naturally, as if the years apart never happened. My first instinct is to protest, to remind him that I'm not his "baby" anymore, but the words die in my throat. Right now, I need this—need them—more than I care to admit.
As we walk to Theo's car, I can't help but notice how seamlessly they work together, Theo and Cohen. Two parts of a whole I never knew existed. Cohen opens the back door, and Theo helps me inside.
"I'll sit in back with her," Cohen says, his hand lingering on my shoulder. "We're right here with you, Sky."