Chapter 92: The Diagnosis

Sterile white walls closed in on Olivia, who perched on the edge of the examination table as her fingers dug into the paper covering until it was torn beneath her grasp. The machines outside in the hallway, beeping rhythmically, would do nothing but raise her blood pressure; with every beat of sound, it counted down—like a minute hand ticking away—to that very moment when everything was to change. One of Mark's warm hands covered hers, both a comfort and a source of guilt at the same time. She hadn't wanted to worry him and had tried to keep the worst of her fears to herself. But when the doctor's office called, insisting she bring someone with her to this appointment, Olivia knew she couldn't face it alone. The door opened, and in came Dr. Patel. Her face wore the sort of professional calm that did not do much to help Olivia feel less anxious. "Olivia, Mark," Dr. Patel greeted them, pulling up a chair to sit facing the couple, "thank you for coming in so quickly." Olivia felt Mark