**Clang!**

The scalpel hit the floor with a sharp, metallic ring.

The anesthesiologist froze, syringe halfway to the IV.

Director Grant frowned, turning to the first assistant. "What's going on?" The assistant looked startled, hands raised in protest. "It wasn't me, I—" Suddenly, the anesthesiologist yanked out the needle. "It's an earthquake!" Briony's eyes snapped open.

Above her, the surgical lights flickered ominously. Her head spun, and the operating table beneath her rolled and shuddered.

A moment later, alarms blared throughout the hospital.

"Pause the surgery! Evacuate through the emergency exits-now!"

Briony, still dazed, was helped off the table by Stella and the anesthesiologist.

The operating room doors flew open. The hallway was a chaos of patients and staff, everyone pushing toward safety.

James spotted them and hurried over.

you alright? Did

interrupted,

his tall frame shielding them as they moved

subsided almost as quickly

emergency stairwell and hallways were jam-packed with people. Even though the shaking had stopped, everyone looked rattled, bracing for aftershocks.

voice came over the intercom: "This is an update from the Seismology Bureau. At 10:45 this morning, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck the city. The immediate danger has passed. Medical staff, please escort patients safely back

collective

patients back to

Stella asked, searching Briony's

Briony nodded. "I'm fine."

started the anesthesia yet," Director Faust said, pausing to catch his breath. "Otherwise, we'd have had to carry you out unconscious." He managed a wry

are rare here in Northborough," Stella added. "I've lived here all my life,

gave Briony's abdomen a thoughtful glance. "Regardless, we'll have to completely re-sterilize everything if we continue. Ms. Kensington, please return to your room

lowered her eyes, instinctively placing a hand over

wanted to say something, but

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