Chapter 20 - The First Breath
The medical team moved swiftly around the bed.
The nurse cut the thick white tape securing the breathing tube to Leo's face.
"Leo, I'm going to pull this tube out now," Dr. Aris said loudly and clearly.
"I need you to cough for me when I pull. Ready? One, two, three."
Dr. Aris smoothly pulled the thick plastic tube from Leo's airway.
Leo instantly gagged, his body arching off the bed as he let out a harsh, rasping cough.
"Get the oxygen mask on him!" Dr. Aris ordered.
A nurse placed a plastic mask over his nose and mouth, pumping moist oxygen into his face.
Leo gasped, his small chest rising and falling violently as he fought for air.
He was breathing.
On his own. Without the machine.
David burst into heavy, uncontrollable sobs, kissing his son's forehead repeatedly.
"You did it, buddy! You did it!" David cried.
Outside the glass, I fell to my knees on the hallway floor, burying my face in my hands.
He was alive. My son was alive.
Inside the room, Leo's eyes slowly opened, unfocused and blinking against the bright lights.
He pulled weakly at the oxygen mask covering his mouth.
Dr. Aris leaned down gently. "It's okay, Leo. Leave the mask on. You're safe."
Leo's small, raspy voice pushed through the mask, faint and weak.
"Daddy?"
"I'm right here, buddy. Daddy's right here."
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Leo looked around the unfamiliar room, his brow furrowing with confusion.
Then, his eyes drifted toward the glass wall.
