The trip back from the NICU was slower.
The nurses moved with careful precision, pausing every few meters to let Willow catch her breath. The adrenaline that had pushed her through the visit drained out of her bloodstream like a slow leak, leaving her pale and shaking in the transport chair.
Her body felt hollow now, like something essential had been spent and not yet replaced. Every muscle trembled with the effort of staying upright, and her head lolled slightly to one side before she caught herself. She hated how weak she felt, hated that joy had such a steep cost.
Zane walked half a step behind her, hands hovering at her shoulders without touching — as if he were fighting the urge to scoop her into his arms and carry her himself.
