Allison's POV
I stood outside the operating room, my entire body thrumming with anxiety as the clock ticked toward 10 a.m. – Lily's scheduled surgery time.
Dr. Swift arrived with the surgical chief and hospital director. Despite my earlier attempts at composure, seeing them all in their white coats surrounding my baby girl made my chest constrict painfully. My heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible fist, making it nearly impossible to breathe.
"Mommy." My daughter's sweet voice somehow cut through the wall of white coats.
I rushed forward immediately. Lily stood up on the hospital bed, reaching for my face with her tiny hands. "Mommy, don't be nervous, okay? The doctor said everything will be fine. Lily is very brave. Lily isn't scared."
I buried my face in
