"I said stop, Orion!"
Lyra grabbed a pillow near the door and hurled it across the room at her twin, who was sprawled on the bed beneath their mother's feet.
Orion dodged it easily, laughing, but the sound died in her throat the moment her eyes flickered toward the bed.
"…Orion," she whispered, her voice suddenly small, "Mommy woke up."
"What?" Orion's laughter disappeared. He stepped closer, her expression shifting into disbelief.
"Mom, can you hear us?" Lyra reached for their mother's hand, holding it gently.
Isabella's eyes fluttered open. She blinked a few times, her gaze unfocused as it landed on Lyra. A sharp, throbbing pain pulsed at the back of her head, making her wince. A faint groan escaped her lips, but no words followed.
"Mom?" Orion called again, her voice softer now.
Isabella turned her eyes toward her, still silent. Confusion clouded her expression.
"Lyra, call Dad!" Orion said quickly.
Lyra didn't hesitate. She scrambled off the bed and rushed out of the room, nearly slipping as she ran down the hall. She found a servant and breathlessly told them to inform her father that their mother had woken up. Within seconds, orders were being passed along the family doctor was to be called immediately.
When Lyra returned, Orion was still by the bed.
Their mother had pushed herself upright, one hand pressed against her head as if trying to steady the pain. Orion glanced at Lyra, "I'll get water."
Lyra nodded, stepping closer this time, though more cautiously. Something felt… off.
"Mom," she said softly, "how are you feeling?"
Isabella looked at her, her eyes searching, uncertain.
"Where is my mom?" she asked weakly, "Who are you?"
Lyra froze, "What?"
Her mind raced. As far as she knew, her grandmother had passed away long before she and Orion were even born, long before their parents were married.
Before she could say anything, Orion returned, holding a glass of water. He handed it carefully to their mother.
Isabella accepted it slowly, her movements deliberate, almost wary. She held the glass, staring at it for a moment, but didn't drink. Her throat felt unbearably dry, yet something held her back.
Not long after, the doctor arrived with one of the maids. The twins quickly explained how their mother had woken up, how she seemed confused, how she didn't recognize them. The doctor began examining Isabella just as their father entered the room.
Alman Uckermann moved quickly to her side, his expression tight with concern.
The doctor straightened, his expression serious.
"Mr. Uckermann, there's a strong possibility that Mrs. Uckermann is experiencing amnesia," he said quietly.
Lyra's grip on Orion's hand tightened.
"Amnesia?" Orion echoed.
The doctor nodded, "Given how long she was in a coma, it's not uncommon. But we can't be certain yet."
Alman's jaw tensed, "What do we need to do?"
"I'd like to run a full examination at the hospital," the doctor replied, "That's the only way to confirm it."
Alman didn't hesitate.
He agreed immediately.