The Panic Before the Procedure

Jack, just 22 and waiting alone in the pre‑op room, feels his nerves tightening with every passing second. What begins as ordinary anxiety swells into a crushing wave of panic, his breaths turning shallow as fear grips his chest. The monitors around him flicker with concern as his heart struggles under the strain, each spike of panic weakening him further. Then, without warning, his rhythm collapses. The room erupts into motion as nurses rush to his side, calling his name while beginning CPR, their hands working with urgent precision. The air fills with tension and uncertainty as they fight to bring him back, not knowing whether their efforts will be enough or what the next moment will hold.