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Chapter 2 - The Three-Hour CountdownAfter hanging up with Lena Ortiz, a strange, terrifying peace settled in my hospital room. The emergency vascular procedure needed to save my left artery required an immediate copayment of $5,000. Military health systems were magnificent, but authorization had stalled over the Easter holiday weekend, and Dr. Patel needed authorization by noon—less than three hours from now. If I couldn't pay, they would be forced to perform a below-the-knee amputation.
Apr 27, 2026

Chapter 2 - The Three-Hour CountdownAfter hanging up with Lena Ortiz, a strange, terrifying peace settled in my hospital room. The emergency vascular procedure needed to save my left artery required an immediate copayment of $5,000. Military health systems were magnificent, but authorization had stalled over the Easter holiday weekend, and Dr. Patel needed authorization by noon—less than three hours from now. If I couldn't pay, they would be forced to perform a below-the-knee amputation.

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