Midori's heart sank when Susan's face turned grim.
"I won't lie -- it doesn't look good."
"How bad is not good?" Midori kept asking, pushing for more information. "What is his survival chance in this surgery?"
"... Less than 20%..."
Less than 20%.
That was awful, was it not?
"But Midori-san, I want to assure you that miracles happen every day. It is too early to give up. We will know for sure after the surgery concludes."
When Midori gave no response, Susan clawed into her arms and looked deep into her eyes.
"Listen to me. Have faith. He will survive."
Midori nodded, the gesture slow and mechanical as numbness stole through her limbs, chilling them like a winter wind. Susan's fingers, barely a comforting presence, led her into the sterile embrace of the hospital.