Ma’s eyes are closed, and she’s wheezing as she struggles to breathe. We’re loaded into the ambulance and rushed to a helipad where a helicopter is already running and ready for us. After we’re transferred into the aircraft and strapped in, I put my headphones on to talk to the staff and then shoot off a group text to all of my siblings.

Me: Ma and I are in a helicopter on our way to Seattle General. Heart attack. Please come right away.

I hit send and reach out for her hand. I can’t hear what she’s saying because she’s not wearing a headset, but I can read her lips.

Where’s Tommy?

I lean down so I can talk into her ear.

“We’re going to the hospital in Seattle, Mama. Da and the others are on their way. You’re going to be okay.”

Please, God, let her be okay.

I’ve never been so scared in my life as the helicopter touches down on the roof of the hospital, and we’re rushed inside and down to the emergency department.

“Fiona O’Callaghan,” someone yells. “Female, sixty-two. Chest pain, left arm pain, and jaw pain.”

“Got it,” someone else yells as Ma is wheeled back to a room. I stand back and watch as a flurry of people surround her and immediately hook her up to an IV and all kinds of monitors.

“Pulse is one eighty-one.”

“We need to get that down.”

I approach her from the side, hoping to help calm her. “Ma. I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere.”

I take her hand once more, and she looks over at me with wide eyes. “I want Tommy.”

“I know, and he’s coming.” I want him, too. “For now, these people are going to help you. And I’m right beside you. I won’t budge. You know how stubborn I am.”

She licks her lips with nervousness.

They whisk her away for an x-ray, making me out to be a liar because I can’t be with her, but then she’s brought back.

Her coloring is worse. She looks scared out of her mind.

Jesus, I don’t know what to do for her. I’ve never felt so helpless in all my life.

After what feels like hours, I hear my father behind me.

“I’m here,” he says and hurries over to us. Thank Christ. “I’m here, darlin’. Oh, my love, I’m so sorry. There now, it’s going to be just fine.”

“Tommy.” Ma clings to my father and finally lets the tears fall. “I’m so scared.”

“Shh. There now.” He kisses her forehead and looks up at the doctor. “What’s happening?”