Hours had passed, and Líli still remained unresponsive, despite Diogo's desperate pleas and kisses on her face and lips.
Overwhelmed with guilt, Diogo sat in an armchair and began to cry. He felt like the worst stepfather in the world, failing to take care of her as her mother had asked. But the situation went beyond that, and Diogo was about to find out.
It was nighttime, and Diogo remained seated in the armchair. His eyes were closed, his tears having exhausted him to the point where they stung, and his eyes strained in the light of the room. His heart was constantly in turmoil, causing both emotional and physical pain. Despair and helplessness were his constant companions. The fear of losing Líli consumed him.
It was at this moment that he heard her voice, feeble and raspy.
"Diogo
