**Chapter 15: Rushed to the Hospital**

As the paramedics carefully lifted Dorothy onto the stretcher, Lucas couldn't help but feel like his world was crumbling around him. He had just caught her in his arms, cradling her lifeless body, and now he was being forced to let her go, even if only for a moment. He quickly climbed into the ambulance beside her, taking her hand in his and holding on tight. The paramedics worked efficiently, their faces set in concerned expressions as they monitored Dorothy's vital signs. Lucas couldn't bear to look at them, his eyes locked on Dorothy's pale face. He willed her to open her eyes, to smile at him, to give him some sign that she was going to be okay. The ambulance sirens blared to life, and the vehicle sped away from the curb, weaving through the crowded streets. Lucas's grip on Dorothy's hand tightened as the cityscape blurred outside the windows. He couldn't imagine a life without her, and the thought of losing her was unbearable. The paramedics worked quickly, their voices calm and reassuring as they spoke to Lucas. "Mr. Zbornak, we're doing everything we can to get her to the hospital safely. She's stable for now, but we need to get her medical attention as soon as possible." Lucas nodded, his throat constricting with emotion. He couldn't speak, couldn't find the words to express the fear and panic that was threatening to overwhelm him. All he could do was hold Dorothy's hand and pray. The minutes ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. Lucas's eyes never left Dorothy's face, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel her pulse, weak but steady, and he clung to that small reassurance. As they approached the hospital, the sirens grew louder, and the ambulance screeched to a halt outside the emergency entrance. The paramedics quickly sprang into action, lifting Dorothy onto a gurney and rushing her into the hospital. Lucas followed close behind, his eyes scanning the chaotic scene as the medical staff swarmed around Dorothy. He was stopped by a nurse, who gently but firmly restrained him. "Sir, please let us do our job. We'll need you to fill out some paperwork and wait in the waiting room." Lucas shook his head, his face set in determination. "I'm not leaving her side," he said, his voice firm. The nurse's expression softened, and she nodded. "Okay, sir. You can stay, but please try to stay out of the way." Lucas nodded, his eyes never leaving Dorothy's face as the medical staff whisked her away to a room filled with beeping machines and sterile white walls. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come, and followed her into the unknown. As the hospital room doors slid shut behind him, Lucas felt a sense of trepidation wash over him. What was wrong with Dorothy? Would she be okay? He pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the only thing that mattered: getting her the help she needed and making sure she was safe. The machines surrounding Dorothy began to beep and whir, and Lucas's heart skipped a beat. He took her hand in his, his voice barely above a whisper. "I love you, Dorothy. You're going to be okay."