Episode 4 of "Breathless," alias "Respira," unfolds three weeks later, teetering on the eve of a monumental strike. The hospital staff, united in purpose, conspire to conceal their impending action from the governing board, determined to thwart any attempt to halt their protest. Moa, a driving force behind the movement, emphasizes the urgency of making a bold statement—one that compels the government's hand, even if it means sacrificing essential services like the ER.
May, however, stands as a reluctant outlier, her dissent met with resentment from her colleagues. The novice doctors plead with her in vain, their pleas eventually silencing her dissent, but at the cost of fraying her bond with Rocio. Rocio's unwavering support for the strike baffles May, who struggles to comprehend her motivations amidst their heated disagreements.
Rocio's resolute stance takes a dramatic turn when a pregnant patient, her life hanging in the balance, is rushed into the ER. Declared brain-dead, her fate takes an unexpected twist as Rocio, adhering to the strike protocol, orders her transfer to Alicante. But fate intervenes, and amidst the tumultuous relocation, the woman suffers a cardiac arrest, forcing May into a desperate act—performing an emergency caesarean in the midst of a chaotic hallway. Pilar, witness to this unconventional intervention, is incensed, foreseeing the stigma it will cast on Rocio's reputation. Yet, Rocio remains unfazed, feigning altruism by claiming Alicante offered superior NICU facilities.
May, perplexed by Rocio's recklessness, which threatens their shared aspirations of a future in Germany, seeks answers. Rocio's shocking revelation—that she no longer desires their life together or even proximity to May—leaves May reeling.
Elsewhere, Jesica's grief over Lluis's emotional absence deepens, his failed promises of solace, like dinner dates, adding insult to injury. Quique, meanwhile, attempts to evade Oscar's advances by concocting a fictitious boyfriend, a ruse that Oscar swiftly dismantles by infiltrating his dating life through a cunning catfish scheme. In a haze of drugs and confusion, Quique finds himself in an awkward predicament when Biel brings Jesica into the mix, tasked with sorting through Rodri's belongings. The stage is set for emotional collisions and revelations that will further shake the foundations of these intertwined lives.
As Quique and Oscar huddled in secrecy within his confines, Biel lent a helping hand to Jesica, navigating her through the treacherous waters of logging into Rodri's phone. Their eyes widened as they scrolled through messages from disillusioned followers, leaving Jesica distraught. Without hesitation, she erased his online presence, her anger boiling over into a fierce confrontation with Rodri, only to collapse into tears, acknowledging her own inability to move forward. In an attempt to soothe her frayed emotions, Biel found himself drawn to her, and their bond deepened into a fleeting moment of intimacy.
Next door, Quique and Oscar's eavesdropping ears perked up with amusement as they overheard the unfolding drama. Oscar, bold with curiosity, made a tentative advance towards Quique, who, with a subtle nod, allowed the moment to unfold. But as passion faltered, Oscar's concern surfaced—wondering if Quique's inability to reciprocate stemmed from a hidden fear of HIV. Hurt and misunderstood, Oscar stormed off, leaving Quique to explain his side of the story, unheard.
Meanwhile, Patricia's impatience for surgery grew, and Moa, faced with her unwavering determination, reluctantly agreed to perform the operation amidst the looming strike. To maintain the illusion of normalcy, he wove a web of lies, leaving Biel uneasy yet trusting in his perceived mastery of the situation. The absence of an MRI, due to the hospital's preparation for chaos, added to the tension.
Yet, Moa confidently reassured Patricia, painting a rosy picture of a tumor-free future without the loss of her breast. Amidst their shared vulnerability, they found solace in discussing the weight of their parents' expectations, their bond strengthening amidst adversity.
Elsewhere, Leo and Lluis strategized for their son's sake, their hearts heavy with worry. Leo's emotional breakdown over her perceived failings as a parent drew Lluis close, his comforting words a balm to her troubled soul. Guilt-ridden, she confessed the full extent of the impending strike, igniting a fury in Lluis. Yet, Pilar's resolve remained unshaken, convinced that in the face of crisis, doctors' duty to patients would triumph. As the hospital's chief, she orchestrated Patricia's surgery for the dead of night, a calculated risk meant to test Moa's mettle.
Yet, Moa remains steadfast in his conviction, convinced he can conclude the intricate surgery before the stroke of midnight. He ushers Patricia into the operating room ahead of schedule, strategically arranging for Biel to pay a heartfelt tribute to Rodri, enhancing the gravity of their mission. As the clock ticks, Moa embarks on the delicate procedure, only to abruptly call a halt at the witching hour. Pilar, perplexed, confronts him, but Moa stands firm in his resolution, prompting her to take the reins and press on.
The room gradually empties, save for Pilar, Biel, and another dedicated physician, who grapple with the challenges, their efforts falling short of the desired outcome. When Patricia regains consciousness, Pilar delivers the devastating news with a heavy heart—the breast had to be removed, yet the relentless tumor persists, necessitating another arduous operation.
As Breathless Episode 4 draws to a close, Patricia's tears of frustration and anger spill forth uncontrollably, her voice echoing with urgency as she demands to know Moa's whereabouts, her anguish palpable in every syllable.
