CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY TWO - How Many Times Must Hope Die

The guard offered her a sympathetic smile. "We're doing everything we can. Please let us know if you need anything else." Nia watched as the guards began posting signs and setting up a checkpoint at the entrance to the ICU. She felt a small measure of relief, knowing Leon would be better protected. Maria squeezed her hand. "See? We've got this. Now, how about I go grab us some lunch from the cafeteria? You must be starving." Nia managed a weak smile. "That would be amazing, thank you." As Maria headed out, Nia turned her gaze back to Leon. "Hang in there, Leon. We're all here for you." Over the next two days, a team of specialists from Johns Hopkins arrived, called in by the Allistair family's private medical consultant. They performed additional tests and adjusted Leon's treatment plan, working tirelessly to stabilize his condition. Nia watched anxiously as the doctors huddled around Leon's bedside, murmuring to each other in low voices. Her heart pounded in her chest, the fear