PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 20: Safe With You

Carina's body felt heavy, and her head was spinning, but she managed to push herself up with the crew's help. Her movements were sluggish, and she slouched tiredly against the chair.
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Ben held out the Tylenol, along with a glass of water. "Here, take these. It'll help bring down your fever."

With shaky hands, Carina accepted the pills and water. She swallowed them with a grimace, the bitter taste of the medication only adding to her discomfort.

Despite her illness, Carina's thoughts immediately turned to Maya. Her voice was weak but desperate as she asked, "Maya... how is she?"

The crew exchanged worried glances, unsure of how to respond. They had been so focused on Carina's condition that they hadn't checked for any updates on Maya yet.

Travis tried to reassure her. "We don't know any updates yet, Carina. But we'll find out something soon."

Carina's face fell, and she closed her eyes, looking defeated. "How long has it been? I... I need to know."

Ben glanced at his watch, noting the time. "It's been a few hours since she went into surgery."

Carina's eyes widened at Ben's words. "Hours? It's been that long and there's still no news?"

Andy placed a comforting hand on Carina's arm. "We'll find out something soon, Carina. Just hang tight, okay?"

As the crew comforted Carina, Ben's phone began to ring. He pulled it out of his pocket and saw that it was his wife, Miranda Bailey, the Chief of Surgery.

Ben swiped his finger across the screen to answer the call. "Hey, Miranda, what's up?"

Miranda's voice crackled through the phone, and the crew strained to hear her words.

"Ben, listen. It's good news. The surgery went well. Maya's in the ICU and she's stable."

The crew breathed a collective sigh of relief. Carina, who had been anxiously listening in, looked visibly relieved.

Ben's voice was steady. "Thank God. How's she doing? Any complications?"

Miranda's voice was reassuring. "No major complications. She's still groggy from the anesthesia, but she's responding to stimuli. We're monitoring her closely."

Ben nodded, still listening to Miranda. He then asked, "Miranda, how's her pneumonia? Is she still fighting it?"

Miranda's response was more solemn. "Yes, she's still battling the pneumonia. But we've got her on strong antibiotics and a ventilator to help her breathe. We're doing everything we can to get her well again."

Ben was concerned but comforted by the news. "Alright, thanks for the update, Miranda. Keep us updated on her progress."

Miranda agreed, and the call ended. Ben tucked his phone back into his pocket before addressing the crew.

Ben looked at the crew and relayed the information. "So, it's good news. The surgery went well and Maya's in the ICU. But she's still fighting pneumonia, so she's on antibiotics and a ventilator to help her breathe."

The crew nodded, relieved but still worried about Maya's condition. Carina looked particularly concerned, her eyes fixed on Ben.

Carina's voice was hoarse from sickness but full of worry. "Can I see her? I need to see her."

Ben looked sympathetic but cautious. "Carina, you're sick. You shouldn't be anywhere near the ICU. You need to rest and recover."

Carina's face was a mixture of frustration and pleading. "I don't care. I need to see her. I need to be with her. Please, Ben."