**Chapter 8: Panic Sets In**

The machines surrounding my hospital bed began to beep more rapidly, their insistent tone a stark contrast to the calm atmosphere that had filled the room just moments before. Lucas's grip on my hand tightened as he turned to face the door, his eyes fixed on the nurses rushing towards us. His face was etched with concern, and I could sense his anxiety. The nurse who had been checking my IV earlier burst into the room, followed closely by another nurse and a doctor. They moved with a sense of urgency, their faces set in determined expressions. The room was suddenly filled with the sound of rustling scrubs, beeping machines, and urgent voices. The nurse quickly assessed the situation, her eyes scanning the monitors and my body. "BP's dropping," she said, her voice firm. "We need to get her vitals stable, now." She turned to the other nurse. "Get the crash cart ready, just in case." The doctor quickly moved to my side, checking my airway and making sure my oxygen levels were stable. I could feel his hands moving quickly and precisely, checking my vitals and assessing my condition. The nurse attached a blood pressure cuff to my arm, and I felt a surge of pain as they inserted a needle into my vein. As the medical team sprang into action, I felt my body begin to shut down. My vision started to blur, and my heart rate accelerated. I tried to speak, but my voice was barely a whisper. Lucas's face contorted in fear as he leaned in close. "Dorothy, stay with me," he whispered, his voice desperate. The doctor's voice grew louder, more insistent. "We need to get her into shock protocol, now." The nurses quickly moved to administer medication, and I felt a surge of adrenaline as my body responded. But it was too late. My body started to convulse, and I felt a searing pain as my muscles contracted and released. I was having a seizure. Lucas's eyes widened in terror as he watched, helpless, as my body shook violently. The doctor and nurses rushed to restrain me, trying to keep me safe as my body thrashed about. The room was chaotic, filled with the sound of beeping machines, urgent voices, and my own ragged breathing. I was vaguely aware of Lucas's terrified face beside me, his eyes filled with fear and helplessness. He was trying to hold me down, but the nurses pushed him away, their faces set in determined expressions. The seizure raged on, and I felt my consciousness slipping away. I was trapped in a nightmare, unable to wake up. The machines surrounding my bed continued to beep, their insistent tone growing louder and more urgent. I was running out of time, and I knew it. Lucas was frantic, his eyes fixed on me as he tried to process what was happening. He looked like he was about to collapse, his face pale and sweaty. I wanted to reach out to him, to reassure him that I was okay, but I couldn't. I was too busy fighting for my life. The doctor and nurses were working quickly to try and control the seizure, but it seemed like an eternity. I was trapped in a never-ending cycle of pain and fear, and I didn't know how much longer I could hold on. Lucas's voice was the only thing that kept me grounded, his words a distant echo in my mind. "Dorothy, hang in there. I'm here for you." I clung to his words, using them to fuel my fight for survival.