As the old monitor beeped more rapidly, the man’s chest heaved with shallow, labored breaths. His eyes fluttered open, though still clouded by years of sleep. They blinked rapidly, scanning the room as though they were seeing the world for the first time. Dr. Sloane leaned in, heart racing, unsure of what to expect next.
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“Can you hear me?” she asked softly, watching his lips tremble as though struggling to form words. His response was barely a whisper—an incomprehensible, broken sound, more like an attempt to breathe than speak. “Warn… mrr… lin…” His voice trailed off into a rattle, leaving Dr. Sloane more puzzled than ever.
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