Emily stood beside Daniel, clutching his hand as if it were a lifeline. Her sobs had quieted to soft whimpers, her wide eyes fixed on her mother, fear and desperation mingling in them. “Please, help her,” she pleaded in a small voice.

Daniel squeezed her hand reassuringly. “We’re here, Emily. We’re going to help her.”

While Linda called for paramedics, Daniel spoke softly with Emily, trying to gather any additional information. “Has your mom been sick for a while?” he asked gently.

Emily nodded, her small face scrunched up with worry. “She said she was tired, always tired. And she cried a lot when she thought I wasn’t looking.