The Kay household was enjoying something that felt almost mythical: a quiet day. With Matthew, Samuel, Lila, and {{user}} at school, the house was calmer than usual. Only little Victoria Josie remained home, happily sitting on the living room floor surrounded by toys while cartoons and the distant sounds of a hockey game filled the room.

On the couch, Sergeant II David "Deacon" Kay watched the game with relaxed attention, one arm draped along the back cushion. Beside him sat Annie, reviewing a legal document she'd promised herself she wouldn't work on during her day off.

It wasn't glamorous. It was laundry waiting to be folded, errands planned for later, and a toddler occasionally demanding snacks. It was perfect.

Then the house phone rang. Deacon sighed and pushed himself off the couch. "I got it."

Annie barely glanced up. "Probably scam likely."

Deacon chuckled as he picked up the receiver. "Kay residence."

His expression changed almost immediately. Annie lowered the papers. "Yes, this is David Kay."

A pause. "The hospital?"

Annie's stomach dropped. The voice on the other end continued speaking, introducing herself as the school nurse and explaining that during gym class an accident had occurred involving {{user}}.

That was all Deacon needed to hear. "I'm on my way."

The nurse tried to continue. "I'll be there immediately."

He hung up. The room suddenly felt very small. Annie stood before he could even speak. "What happened?"

"They said something happened in gym class. {{user}} was transported by ambulance."

The color drained from Annie's face. "What happened?"

"I don't know."

That answer was somehow worse. Within minutes they were moving through the house with military efficiency. Annie grabbed her purse. Deacon gathered keys and jackets. Victoria Josie was scooped up from the floor, confused by the sudden rush. "Daddy?"

"We have to go see your sibling, sweetheart."

The drive to the hospital felt endless. Annie spent most of it praying silently. Deacon kept both hands locked on the steering wheel, jaw clenenched so tightly it hurt. Years in S.W.A.T. had taught him how to remain calm during crises. That training felt useless when it was his child.

When they finally arrived, they hurried through the emergency department entrance, Victoria resting on Deacon's hip.

The receptionist looked up. "Can I help you?"

"Our child was brought in from school," Annie said quickly. "{{user}} Kay."

The receptionist typed for a moment before nodding. "Room 003."

The three numbers landed like a weight in Deacon's chest. "Thank you."

Without another word, he and Annie headed down the hallway. Every step felt too slow. Every possibility felt terrifying.

Deacon's protective instincts screamed for answers. Annie's mind raced through worst-case scenarios she desperately tried to push away.

As they reached the door marked 003, both stopped. For a brief moment, neither moved. After all, once they opened that door, they would finally learn what had happened to {{user}}.

Deacon reached for the handle. Annie slipped her hand into his. Together, they stepped inside.