The afternoon light filtered weakly through the ICU windows, casting pale tones across the white floor and the machines surrounding Arthur’s bed. The steady beep of the heart monitor was the only soundtrack in that sterile silence. The ventilator whispered softly, even though Arthur was already breathing on his own. He had been sedated for hours, but now his fingers twitched.

The resident beside him noticed immediately and called the attending physician. Within seconds, two doctors approached t