She clenched her ice-cold hands together, as though coupled they might generate some warmth. Leaning back in the stiff chair, hope tightened her chest until she could hardly breathe. The experimental procedure had to work. It had to bring her father back to her. She’d placed so many of her hopes and dreams on this procedure for so long. After what felt like hours later, a man in blue surgical scrubs pushed into the waiting area. His mask hung loosely around his neck and a cloth skullcap, featuring every Marvel action hero, covered most of his dark brown hair. He approached Felicity with a smile. “Felicity Wright?” She nodded, not trusting her voice as she pleaded silently for success. Blood roared in her ears, muffling the words. She took a long, shaking breath and balled her fingers into fists. “His brain activity has increased. Early signs look favorable despite the many years of damage.” A sense of euphoria threaded through all the questions racing through her mind, making her feel as though she had wings.
