Carla's eyes fluttered, and with a weak whisper, she forced out some words before going limp.
"I think… I'm having a heart attack—"
Her body convulsed once before collapsing sideways onto the couch, her head striking the armrest with a dull thud.
"Carla!" Angela's voice tore through the room. She lurched forward, catching her sister's shoulders just as her body sagged, limp and frighteningly still. "Oh God, Carla, stay with me!"
Jonathan froze for half a beat, then stood sharply, muttering, "What now…" as if inconvenienced rather than horrified.
"Don't just stand there!" Angela screamed, her hands fumbling to lift Carla's chin. "Call an ambulance!"
Jonathan blinked, patted down his pockets for his phone like a man searching for his keys, and finally dialed emergency services. His voice on the phone was oddly calm: "Yes, my wife. She uhh… she just collapsed. Yes, chest pain. Just send someone." He hung up, too quickly.
