Chapter 21 - The Consultation of Dr. Hayes
At precisely 9:00 AM, the door to Room 347 opened again, admitting Dr. Marcus Hayes, the chief of obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine at St. Catherine’s. Hayes was a tall, silver-haired physician with kind eyes and a demeanor that favored calm, scientific precision. He carried a heavy leather chart folder tucked under his arm.
"Good morning, everyone," Hayes greeted, stepping past the privacy curtain and checking the digital monitors mounted on the wall. "I must say, Mrs. Mercer, your recovery over the last forty-eight hours defies standard medical precedent. Your blood pressure has stabilized, the inflammatory markers are down to baseline, and the fetal heart rate is exceptionally strong."
"I have a very good incentive to get better, Doctor," Elena replied, glancing sideways at Luke, who sat silently in his chair like an attentive sentinel.
Hayes flipped open the chart, scanning the telemetry data before looking up directly at Luke. "Mr. Mercer, I reviewed the night nurse’s logs. You haven't left this room once since you arrived."
"I had no reason to," Luke answered flatly.
Hayes offered a faint, knowing smile. "Well, your presence seems to be the best medicine she could possibly receive. Based on these readings, if she continues this trajectory for another twenty-four hours, I will officially clear her for discharge by tomorrow morning."
Elena’s face lit up with undisguised joy. "Tomorrow? Really?"
"Really," Hayes nodded, adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses. "However, I have one strict, non-negotiable condition. Complete pelvic rest, zero stress, no high-intensity situations, and mandatory bed rest at your residence for at least two weeks. No exceptions. Your body has been through an extraordinary trauma, and the baby needs absolute stability."
Luke stood up, extending his hand across the bed. Hayes shook it firmly, feeling the crushing, vice-like grip of a man who took promises very seriously.
"You have my word, Doctor," Luke said, his voice deep and authoritative. "She won't lift a finger. Whatever environment she needs to heal, I will provide it down to the last detail."
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"Good," Hayes said, closing the chart. "I’ll have the discharge coordinator draw up the paperwork for tomorrow morning. Get some rest, Mrs. Mercer. You're almost home."
As the doctor departed, the heavy silence of the room returned, but this time it was heavy with anticipation. The hospital stay was drawing to a close. The nightmare was officially over.
