In the operating room, the machines blared. Élise’s heart was weakening, and the baby’s extraction grew critical. A nurse pulled Marc aside. When he was asked to choose, he went pale and whispered in a broken voice:
— Save Élise. Save my wife.

Hours passed. The surgery ended: Élise survived. But the child was born into chilling silence. No breath. No cry.

A nurse wrapped the tiny boy in a white cloth. She gently spoke to the parents about their final farewell. Trembling, Élise nodded. Before anyone could move, Léo stepped forward, his voice firm:
— I want to see my little brother. I promised I’d protect him.

— He’s still a child, protested Anna, Élise’s sister. This could scar him forever.

Élise met her son’s gaze and shook her head.
— He loved him from the very first moment. He deserves this.