Chapter 5 - The Breakthrough
David opened the thick leather folder with a sharp snap.
He pulled out a single sheet of paper bearing an official legal seal.
"This is an emergency medical proxy," David explained calmly.
"It clearly states my client has full medical authority over his newborn child."
The burly security guard looked incredibly uncomfortable.
He leaned over his tall podium to inspect the legal document.
"I still have to call the hospital administrator," the guard muttered.
"By all means, make the call," David replied confidently.
"But remind them that denying a biological father access with a valid proxy is a massive liability."
The guard picked up the heavy black receiver of his desk phone.
He mumbled quietly into the mouthpiece for several tense minutes.
Mark tapped his foot against the polished linoleum floor.
His anxiety was skyrocketing with every passing second.
Finally, the guard placed the receiver back onto the base.
He let out a heavy, defeated sigh.
"You have five minutes while the legal team reviews this," the guard conceded.
He stepped aside and swiped his security badge against the electronic lock.
The heavy double doors clicked and slowly swung open.
Mark did not waste a single second.
He rushed past the guard and into the brightly lit neonatal ward.
Row after row of clear plastic incubators filled the expansive room.
A kind-looking pediatric nurse gently intercepted him.
"You must be the father," she said softly.
She guided him toward a quiet corner near the large observation windows.
Mark looked down into the small, temperature-controlled incubator.
A tiny baby boy was sleeping peacefully under a soft hospital blanket.
Tears instantly blurred Mark's vision.
He placed his large hand against the warm plastic barrier.
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"I am right here, little one," Mark whispered.
"Nobody is ever going to take you away from us."
