Doctor: Because it’s her stronger arm, therefore when she’d pull, she’s pull harder with that one. But this is actually a pretty minor injury to the rest of her. A few of the blows she received to the head were almost fatal, coming close to fracturing the skull so it punctures her brain. We had to re-construct her nose and one cheek. I’m sure you’ve seen the stitching and the bandages.

Shane: Oh my God!

Doctor: Mrs. McCutcheon, I suggest you have a seat for the next bit of information.

Shane took a seat in the chair near the window and put her head in her hands.

Doctor: I don’t know if this is the bad news or even worse news. But, your wife, having sustained very minor injuries, will be completely fine. Of course she’ll be sore for a while and I’ll prescribe you some antibiotic cream for the blisters. However, I am terribly sorry miss McCutcheon but I’m afraid she lost the baby.

Shane shook her head and new tears fell.

Shane: No, this is all wrong!

Doctor: The ropes seemed to have been positioned in a way that they completely collapsed her uterus. Mrs. McCutcheon, I think this is the worst news of all… your wife is no longer able to reproduce.

Shane felt new tears sting her eyes.

Doctor: The good news is that the ones who did this have pleaded guilty and are sentenced to life in prison for manslaughter. I think I’ll leave you to your thoughts. If you have any questions, feel free to ask the nurse to page me.

The doctor walked a step closer and put a hand on her shoulder as she cried into her hands.

Doctor: I’m sorry Mrs. McCutcheon.

She nodded and he walked away. She continued to cry, until Alice peaked her head out of the door and pulled her up into a hug. Shane broke down and told her everything. Alice’s eyes began to water as well and they both stood in the hallway, balling their eyes out, hugging.

Carmen’s eyes fluttered open and darted across the room. At first, she was struck with fear of finding herself still in the warehouse. Then, she realized she was in a hospital room and her memory came back. She looked around, expecting to see Shane by her side. When she didn’t find her, she tried out her hoarse voice.