Joe raced to the emergency room, attracting the attention of two police cruisers. With flashing lights, they followed Joe to the emergency door. The sight of Mary stopped them from asking any unnecessary questions. They helped Joe bring her into the emergency room admitting.
"Dear God in Heaven," moaned the nurse. She was a professional, accustomed to dealing with emergency room accidents, but the sight of Mary's mutilated baby was too much. Mary was still unconscious, but stable. The doctor shook his head. After looking at the x-ray, he said, "Butchery. It would be more merciful to let them go." But Joe was adamant. "You've got to save them!" he pleaded.
"What kind of life could they have?" the doctor asked. "One is badly burned. He'll be disfigured for life. Permanently attached to his brother. Do you know what it would cost to take care of them?"
"You're a doctor. You have to protect life."
"But your...she went to an abortionist."
"I...we changed our minds."
"We must get her consent."
After an agonizing hour, Mary awoke from anesthesia. When the doctor was sure she could think clearly, he carefully explained the situation to her. He made sure Joe was not in the room. "We're not even sure they can survive," he admonished.
Mary was devastated. The horror of her nightmare had come terribly true. She had given birth to a monster. Nevertheless, she did not hesitate. "Yes, oh yes!" Mary cried. "I want them. I tried to tell the other doctor, but he wouldn't listen! But how...where am I?"
"A young man brought you in. He said he was a friend."
"Joe!" Mary exclaimed.
"Yes, I believe that is the name he gave," the doctor said with a wry smile. "And you would be Mary, I presume."
"How did you know?" Mary asked.
The doctor sighed.
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