Chapter 7 - Signs of Life
After the lid opened and responders detected Clara’s pulse, the chapel erupted into confusion.
Marcus tried to leave through the rear corridor, but one of the detectives stopped him.
Helena remained beside the coffin, staring at her daughter.
“I thought the medicine would wear off before the ceremony,” she whispered.
Daniel heard her.
“You thought she would wake up inside a sealed coffin?”
Helena’s face collapsed.
Marcus shouted from across the room.
“Don’t say another word!”
Officer Ortiz turned toward him.
“Thank you for confirming that there is something she should not say.”
Dr. Crane attempted to claim that Clara’s signs of life were an unprecedented medical error. Naomi entered the chapel behind the detectives.
When Crane saw her, all resistance left his face.
The responders carefully transferred Clara onto a stretcher. Daniel walked beside her, holding her hand.
Her fingers remained cold and motionless.
At the hospital, a medical team treated the effects of the drugs and monitored the baby.
Hours passed.
Daniel sat beside the bed, refusing to release Clara’s hand.
Shortly after midnight, the monitor registered a stronger rhythm.
Clara’s eyelids moved.
“Daniel?”
Her voice was barely audible.
He leaned closer, overcome with relief.
“I’m here.”
Clara touched her stomach.
“Sophie?”
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“The doctors say her heartbeat is strong.”
For the first time since the dinner, Daniel allowed himself to believe that his family might survive.
