Hiraya gripped the steering wheel with trembling hands as she pulled out of the school's parking lot slowly.
Her breath was shallow, and her chest seared with every inhale.
Her vision seemed to be blurring by the second as she managed to stay on the road.
Griffin sat behind her, clutching his backpack, panic ceasing his little heart as he watched his tough mother battle an injury he perceived as severe. His widened eyes shimmered with fear and tears as he asked in his childish voice.
"Mommy... Are you sure you're okay?" His little voice trembled as he spoke.
"I'm fine, my sweetheart. Mommy's just… a little tired. But you don't have to be afraid." Hiraya smiled weakly at him through the rearview mirror. "Just sit tight, okay. We'll be home soon."
"But you don't look fine… you're sweating." He unstrapped his seat belt and leaned forward to touch his mother. " Even your hands are cold. Mommy, I'm scared."
