CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-FIVE: HEALTH SCARE

The routine check-up proceeded as normal. Dr. Ramirez, a kind-faced woman in her fifties, asked the usual questions about Claire's diet, exercise, and any symptoms she might be experiencing. "Alright, let's take a listen to that little heartbeat, shall we?" Dr. Ramirez said, reaching for the fetal doppler. As the cool gel touched Claire's belly, she felt Mason's hand slip into hers. They waited, breath held, for the familiar whooshing sound of their baby's heartbeat. The room fell silent. Dr. Ramirez's brow furrowed as she moved the doppler around, searching. After what felt like an eternity, a faint, erratic rhythm filled the room. "Is... is everything okay?" Claire asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Dr. Ramirez's expression was carefully neutral. "I'm detecting some irregularities in the baby's heartbeat. It could be nothing, but I'd like to run some additional tests to be sure." Mason's grip on Claire's hand tightened. "What kind of tests? Is our baby in danger?" "Try