After Jacob left, Lily received a call that are mother gas gone into labor.
The smell of disinfectant lingered heavily in the air.
At the First People's Hospital, sunlight filtered faintly through the half-drawn curtains, falling across the pale white hospital bed.
Julia Martins' eyelashes trembled slightly.
After a long moment, she slowly regained consciousness.
Her mind was blank at first—then pain followed. A dull ache spread through her lower abdomen, accompanied by a familiar exhaustion that made even breathing feel heavy.
"Mom—"
A soft but excited voice sounded beside the bed.
"She's awake!"
Lily instantly leaned forward, her eyes lighting up with relief. She carefully reached out, afraid to touch too hard, as though her mother might disappear if she did.
[Thank God. Thank GOD. She made it through.]
"Mom, you're awake."
Julia blinked, her gaze gradually focusing. When she finally recognized Lily's face, her lips curved weakly.
"…Lily."
