By chance, Zoe was passing by and recognized Maria’s face. They had indeed been in school together briefly, back when Zoe was eighteen. Maria was in a different section, but they had shared a few large lecture classes. The girl had seemed cheerful and very bright, but then she disappeared. Rumor was she had left to become a model or something similar. In any case, Zoe wasn’t close to her, but she recognized her and approached.

  • Maria? The woman flinched, looking up at Zoe with tear-filled, frantic eyes.
  • I’m sorry, I don’t remember your name.
  • It’s Zoe. We were in pre-med together at NYU, for a little while, Zoe said quietly, so no one would overhear.
  • Zoe… right, I think I remember. I’m sorry, I’m just… a wreck. Mr. Thorne… they’re saying he’s dying?
  • He’s very sick, yes. But there’s a chance.
  • I have to see him, Maria exclaimed. — Please, help me. I’m… very close to him. I need to know what’s wrong. I need to tell him something important. Zoe tensed. Very close. That meant she was the mistress. She knew Mr. Thorne had a wife, Anna, who was right here in the hospital. Maria’s appearance would undoubtedly create a conflict. But seeing Maria shaking with anxiety, Zoe couldn’t bring herself to turn her away.
  • I can’t just let you in to see him. He’s in the ICU; they don’t always let even close family in. But if you want, I can talk to the doctor, see if it’s possible.
  • Please, do whatever you can, Maria begged. — I need to tell him… I’m pregnant. And it’s his child. He… he didn’t know. I was going to tell him, but then he was admitted. I only found out myself a week ago. Zoe gasped involuntarily but quickly composed herself. What a bombshell. So, Mr. Thorne was expecting a child, not with his wife, but with Maria. This was serious news, especially with him hovering between life and death. And Anna, the legal wife, knew nothing. Zoe understood what a volcano would erupt if this secret came out. However, a man in the ICU had a right to know he was going to be a father, even if he couldn’t fully comprehend it. And Maria had a right to see him, if at all possible. The situation was incredibly delicate.
  • I’ll try, Zoe said quietly. — But please, stay calm. We don’t need a scene here at the hospital. And remember, his official wife is also here.
  • I know, Maria pressed her lips together. — But I can’t hide the truth. If… if he dies, I’ll be all alone. And I wanted our child to grow up with a father. Zoe didn’t know what to say. She felt Maria’s pain and confusion, but she also knew this story could turn into a disaster if it all blew up right now. Nevertheless, she decided not to leave her standing in the hallway.
  • Let me see if I can arrange for you to get into the ICU for just a few minutes. I can’t promise it will be right away. But wait here, I’ll be back soon. Maria nodded and remained standing, lost in her own thoughts.

Zoe went to find Dr. Wallace. When she found him in his office, she quietly explained the situation. He put his head in his hands.

  • Pregnant by him? Christ, this isn’t a hospital, it’s a soap opera. Zoe, we have strict rules. We don’t let just anyone into the ICU. I understand she’s pregnant, but technically, she’s a stranger. It’s not my decision alone; there’s the doctor on duty, there are protocols.
  • Doctor, I understand. But believe me, it’s very important to her. Maybe if Mr. Thorne has even a brief moment of consciousness, it could give him the strength to fight. Sometimes, emotional factors play a role.
  • I know, Wallace frowned. — Alright, I’ll talk to the on-duty physician. But she goes in alone, at a specific time, and for only a couple of minutes. No noise, no drama.
  • Thank you, doctor. Zoe left the office feeling like she had taken on far too much, but she couldn’t have done otherwise. She found Maria and told her she would be allowed in for a few minutes later. Maria thanked her profusely, her eyes a mix of fear and hope.

Meanwhile, Anna, oblivious to all this, continued to sit near the room where Mr. Thorne had been, waiting for any news. Leo came and went, bringing papers, talking on the phone. It seemed their marriage was held together less by love and more by their joint financial ventures. But who knew, maybe some feelings still lingered.

As soon as Anna and Leo had a chance to speak with a doctor, they went to Wallace. Anna pleaded, — Doctor, you have to tell us, is there any chance? How long will this take? Can you guarantee he’ll survive? Wallace explained calmly, — There are no guarantees. But the trend isn’t negative. We’re doing everything possible. We’ve started a different therapy, and there are signs it might work. But we need time for a definitive conclusion.

  • And if not? Leo asked in a business-like tone. — Can we look for alternatives? Maybe move him to a top-tier facility downtown, or even out of the country?
  • Moving him now is out of the question, Wallace cut him off. — He’s not stable enough to transport; the risk is too high. Please, let us do our work. If we see a positive trend, then we can discuss it. Believe me, we have the qualifications and resources to handle this case. The main thing is not to interfere. Anna deflated, realizing everything depended on her husband’s condition. Leo, slightly annoyed by the lack of clear information, just pursed his lips. They both returned to the hallway, where they continued to discuss their problems in hushed tones.

Later that evening, Maria finally got permission to enter the ICU for two minutes. Zoe escorted her down a restricted hallway, explained how to put on a gown and cap, and how to be quiet and not touch the equipment. When they entered, Mr. Thorne was unconscious, on a ventilator, hooked up to IV drips. Seeing him in that state, Maria nearly fainted from shock. She wasn’t prepared for the sight of the man she loved, looking almost nothing like his former self.

But she pulled herself together, approached the bed, and, trying to speak in a near whisper, said, — Geoffrey, I know you can’t hear me, but maybe you can feel me. We’re going to have a baby. Can you imagine? You were going to tell your wife you were leaving her. We dreamed of being together. I don’t know how things will be now, but please, live. I need you. Our baby needs you. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She tried to breathe evenly to keep from sobbing. Zoe stood nearby, ready to catch Maria if she collapsed. The nurses watched them disapprovingly but silently, as permission had been officially granted.

  • I’ll do anything to help you get better, Maria continued. — I’m not a doctor, of course, but… I’ll just be here. Please, don’t go. I love you. She timidly stroked his hand, avoiding the tubes and wires. Mr. Thorne’s head moved slightly, but he didn’t open his eyes. Maybe, deep in his consciousness, he heard something, or maybe it was just a reflex. Maria felt her strength failing, and Zoe led her back to the exit.
  • I don’t know what to do, Maria sobbed once they were outside the ICU doors. — His wife… she has no idea about me. What if he dies? I’ll… I’ll be all alone.
  • Shhh, Zoe patted her shoulder. — For now, you just need to focus on his recovery. The family issues can be dealt with later. I understand how hard this is for you.
  • Thank you, Maria calmed down a bit. — But I can’t stay here for long, I have work. And I’m afraid of running into Anna. She’ll kill me.
  • I understand. Maybe you should find a quiet motel nearby and visit once a day. But if you’re afraid of meeting his wife, pick times when she’s not here.
  • Yes, I’ll do that. Thank you, Zoe. It’s so good to have someone supportive. Maria hugged her, and in that embrace was so much misery and desperation that Zoe’s own heart ached.

From that moment on, Zoe carried a new, secret burden. She knew about Maria’s pregnancy and understood that this story could dramatically affect Mr. Thorne’s life if he woke up. But Zoe said nothing to Anna, as she had no right to reveal someone else’s secret. In this tangled web of human lives, she felt like an unwilling participant. She hadn’t sought out this drama; she had simply wanted to help a sick man.

Two more days passed. Mr. Thorne’s condition remained serious but was no longer critical. His temperature stabilized, and the signs of encephalopathy slowly subsided. The doctors said that if this trend continued, he might enter a recovery phase within a week. Anna was overjoyed, and Leo breathed a sigh of relief. Maria also learned of the slight improvement and called Zoe with words of gratitude. Meanwhile, Anna was growing suspicious. Why was this tech so involved in everything concerning her husband? Was she on some kind of special assignment? But for now, she refrained from making a scene.

That evening, Dr. Wallace asked Zoe to come to his office. She went, her stomach in knots. Was she in trouble? Or did he want to talk about Mr. Thorne? Wallace was sitting at his desk, some papers in front of him, his expression serious.

  • Zoe, he began, — I wanted to discuss a few things with you. First, I want to thank you for your courage. If it weren’t for you, we might have lost precious time. But you understand that in a hospital, things aren’t so simple from a management perspective. The Chief of Medicine is already frowning about a tech interfering with treatment. You’ve set a precedent. I’ll try to protect you, but you need to be careful. No more unsolicited opinions, no more going into the ICU without permission.
  • I understand completely, Zoe nodded. — Believe me, I’m not trying to take over. I just wanted to help.
  • I know that, Wallace shrugged. — But administration is administration. One more stunt like that, and you’ll be looking for another job. I don’t want that, because you are genuinely valuable. I’ve decided to put in a good word for you. And perhaps… I might be able to arrange some sort of sponsorship for you to resume your studies at NYU, if that’s something you want. Zoe couldn’t believe her ears. Resume her studies? It was her long-lost dream. But she had long ago accepted that door was closed forever. No money, no connections, too much time had passed. And suddenly, this offer.
  • Dr. Wallace, she started, her voice trembling, — I… I don’t know what to say. Of course, I’d love to finish my degree. But I don’t have the funds. I’m on my own, I have to work to live.
  • Listen, Wallace sighed. — Right now, it’s just an idea. I can’t promise anything for sure. But if you’re genuinely interested, I can talk to the Chief and the Dean. Maybe we can find you a scholarship or some kind of work-study program. You have what, two years left?
  • Yes, I left after my third year.
  • So, three more years. I know it’s a long time. But if you have the desire, it’s better late than never.
  • I want it more than anything, Zoe mumbled, feeling tears welling up from gratitude and the unexpected hope for a future. — I can’t even believe this is possible.
  • Not everything in life is simple, Wallace smiled. — But you’ve shown real talent. It’s a rare thing to find someone who is eager to learn and has the aptitude for it. This might be your chance. Think about it. If you agree, I’ll try to move this forward.
  • Of course, I agree! Zoe nearly shouted. — Thank you so much. She left Wallace’s office with a lightness in her heart she hadn’t felt in years. It was as if a door to a new life had suddenly swung open. She still didn’t know how all the bureaucratic hurdles would be cleared, but at least a ray of hope was shining through.

The next day, the hospital was thrown into chaos. The dying banker was showing slight improvement, and a city official decided to tour the department to see if it could be showcased as a success story. Suddenly, reporters with cameras appeared in the hallways. Anna, seeing the cameras, hid from them, while Leo, on the contrary, decided to give a brief comment, stating, — We are grateful to the doctors for their expert approach.

This is very important for our city. He didn’t mention any specific names, which was hardly surprising. The journalists scurried around, trying to sniff out a scoop. Had they really saved a rich and powerful man here? But the doctors waved them off, saying everything was still in process, results would come later.

Zoe watched this from a distance. She was disgusted by the circus invading the hospital, by the idea of filming critically ill people without their consent. To her, medicine was about saving lives, not putting on a show.

  • Hey, where’s that tech who figured it all out? an aggressive-looking journalist asked, rushing up to the nurses’ station. — We want to interview her. The nurses, remembering the Chief of Medicine’s orders not to speak to the press without authorization, immediately waved their hands.
  • We don’t have any techs who ‘figured anything out.’ What nonsense is this? Go see the Chief; he’ll give an official statement.
  • But I heard it was a tech who discovered the rare disease, not the doctors, the journalist insisted.
  • Stop making things up, the head nurse snapped. — We have an excellent staff, all specialists. You reporters are just looking for a sensation. Now go, we are not giving interviews. The journalist huffed and walked away. Zoe, hiding nearby, breathed a sigh of relief. The last thing she wanted was to become the star of a TV news report. She had enough problems already.

Meanwhile, Anna, who had peeked around a corner at one point, heard the phrase «a tech discovered the rare disease.» A shiver went down her spine. What was this? She remembered how her husband’s treatment plan had been abruptly changed, and how he had started to improve. But no one had told her that a tech had pointed them in the right direction. Anna was bewildered.

Could it really have been Zoe? Remembering how Zoe was always hovering around her husband, Anna felt the ground shift beneath her feet. Were all men the same? Was there some kind of affair going on here? The thought flashed through her mind, sparking a sharp pang of jealousy. But she didn’t make a scene. First, she needed to verify the information.