Heart Of Atlantis

Still in the hospital room, David's mind bounced between the conversation with Rachel and the nagging thought that his father's journal might hold the key to finding Atlantis, and with it, a chance to save his daughter. 

 But where was that journal now? It had been years since he last saw it, David whispered within himself, His father had treasured the old leather book, filling its pages with personal thoughts and, perhaps, clues to whatever he had been searching for. He could vividly recall his father writing in it during late nights, locking it away afterward. But it had been so long, and David wasn't even sure if it was still at the old family house at LA.

 The thought that the journal might be his last hope gnawed at him. But how could he leave Elina, even briefly, when she needed him so desperately here? The idea of going on what might be a wild goose chase felt reckless, yet doing nothing felt even worse.

 The night began to wear off and David had not gotten any sleep, his thoughts still battling with each other. He knew he had to choose a side, stay with Elina or embark on a journey to save her; it was a decision that had to be made. David contemplated till he fell asleep. 

 But as the night faded away and the morning light filtered through the hospital room, Elina stirred in the bed. Her eyes fluttered open, but peace quickly gave way to a searing pain in her chest, a tightness that made it hard to breathe. She gasped, weak and struggling to draw in air.

 David jolted awake to the sound of her labored breathing, his heart leaping into his throat at the panic in her eyes. Elina? Elina, what's wrong? he asked, his voice trembling.

 Elina's lips moved, but no sound came out. Her fingers trembled as she clutched her chest, her face contorted in pain. David's world spun, helpless as his daughter's life seemed to slip further away with each passing second.

 Without thinking, he slammed the call button. "Nurse! Somebody, please help!" he shouted, his voice cracking.

 The door flew open, and a nurse rushed in. She took one look at Elina and immediately went to work, adjusting the drips and checking the monitors. But the machines beeped in warning, Elina's condition worsening. The nurse's hands trembled as she tried to stabilize the IV, but nothing seemed to help.

 David stood by, horror-struck. What's happening to her? Why isn't it working?" he demanded, his fear rising.

 The nurse's face was pale as she tried to stay calm. Mr. Specter, I need you to stay calm, she said, though her voice wavered. I'm going to get the doctor. Please, stay with her.

 David caught her arm, his grip tight with desperation. Please, don't let my daughter die, he whispered, his eyes pleading. The nurse gently pried her arm free and rushed out.

 David turned back to Elina, now visibly struggling, her small chest rising and falling rapidly. He felt utterly powerless, dread crushing him. "Elina, stay with me, okay? The nurse is getting help. You're going to be okay," he whispered,

 Time stretched into eternity as David watched the life drain from his daughter's face. Each second felt like a year, the terror of losing her growing with each breath. No, no, no… David muttered, his voice cracking as tears welled up. This can't be happening. Not now, not like this…

 The door burst open again, and Nurse Pearson dashed in, her face determined but fearful. She quickly assessed the situation, her eyes widening at Elina's condition. David, I need you to step back, she instructed, her voice tight with urgency. She prepared a syringe, filling it with a sedative to calm Elina's frantic body.

 David hesitated but finally stepped back, his hands trembling. Nurse Pearson leaned over Elina, gently brushing the hair from her face before administering the injection. This will help, sweetheart, she whispered softly, trying to comfort Elina despite the threatening situation.

 Elina's breathing began to slow, the sedative taking effect. Nurse Pearson glanced at the monitors, her expression unreadable, but she finally spoke. She's stable for now, but we need to get the doctor immediately.

 David nodded, his relief momentary as he realized this was just the beginning of a long battle.

 A few minutes later, the doctor entered the room, his face tightening with concern as he saw Elina's condition. He moved quickly to her side, checking the monitors and listening intently to her breathing with his stethoscope. Her breaths were shallow and irregular, her pulse weak and unsteady.

 Nurse, get the oxygen mask ready and increase her IV fluids, the doctor instructed, his voice calm but urgent. He looked over at David, who was standing anxiously by the bed. Mr. Specter, I need you to step back a bit. We're doing everything we can for her."

 The doctor quickly administered a stronger dose of medication, hoping to stabilize Elina's heart rate and ease her breathing. He leaned in close to Nurse Pearson, speaking in a low voice that David couldn't quite hear. "Prepare the ICU, just in case," the doctor said, though he kept his tone steady to avoid alarming David.

 As the medication began to take effect, Elina's breathing slowly became less strained. The doctor watched the monitors closely, and after a few tense moments, he turned to David, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

 She's stable for now, he said, his voice firm yet gentle. "I'm going to run a few more tests to understand what triggered this . It was a close call, but Elina is a strong girl. We'll keep her comfortable and monitor her closely."

 David nodded, though his eyes remained locked on his daughter. The doctor's words brought a slight sense of relief, but the fear still gripped his heart. He knew just how fragile Elina's condition was, and the thought of losing her was just unbearable.