Forgotten booties muffled the sound of Dr. Wilson’s surgical clogs. She hurried to the waiting room, dreading what she was about to do. It did not get easier with time.

“How are they?” Alice reached her before she got through the door, unintentionally blocking her entry.

“Let’s step inside.” Dr. Wilson’s voice wavered slightly, throwing Alice into full-on terror.

“Whatever you say to me,” she hissed, “do not say that you did everything you could.” Al shrugged Bette’s arm off her shoulder defiantly. “I don’t care what you have to do; you do not let her go.”

“Dana’s holding her own.” the doctor responded quickly. She took Alice’s hand and led her back into the waiting room. “She’s in recovery.”

Tina and Bette slipped onto either side of their distraught friend and supported her as her body began to shake.

“And the baby? Alice knew before she asked, the answer having been in Doctor Wilson’s eyes as she’d walked toward the waiting room.

“I’m very sorry, but the baby died.” The words echoed in Alice’s’ head as she fought to hold her composure, unable to form the next question. Dr. Wilson pushed on as gently as she could. “Dana experienced an arterial bleed just as we were finishing. We tried everything we could to get it under control, but it was too big. In the end, there was no other option but to perform a hysterectomy in an attempt to save Dana’s life."

Alice nodded her understanding, the overwhelming fear and grief keeping her speechless.

“How is Dana?” Bette tightened her grip on Al’s waist as she spoke.

“She’s taking her time waking up, which is cause for concern, given her history,” answered Dr. Wilson, grateful for Bette and Tina’s presence. “She’s lost a lot of blood, but at the moment, she’s stable.”

“I want to see her,” whispered Alice.

“Of course. Give me a moment and I’ll take you in.” The doctor turned to step out.

“Was it a girl or a boy?” The question was barely audible.

“Pardon me?”

“The baby,” Alice said clearly, “Was it a girl or a boy?”

The moment Alice left with Dr. Wilson, Bette and Tina swung into action. They quickly divided the calls they needed to make. After a brief debate, Tina added Carmen to her list. They kept the majority of the details to a minimum, knowing from sad experience that there would be more than enough time for the specifics in the days and weeks to come.