“Mommy! Mommy, it’s me!” Alan cried softly, tugging gently at Annabelle's hand. “Please, open your eyes!”
Annabelle's lashes fluttered weakly, struggling against the weight of exhaustion. Her chest rose a little deeper, and finally, with a soft, broken gasp, her eyes cracked open.
For a moment, her gaze was unfocused, the white hospital lights blurring above her. Then her vision settled… on Alan.
“Alan…” she breathed, her voice hoarse, barely audible.
Alan’s face lit up with a smile so wide and tearful it made Richard’s throat close. “Mommy! You woke up! I knew you would!”
Annabelle tried to sit up, but Richard immediately pressed a steady hand against her shoulder, leaning closer. “Don’t move,” he said softly, his deep voice gentler than she’d ever heard it. “You’re safe. Just… rest.
