13
Sara
“Mom!” I bend over her bed, smiling through the tears. Her eyes are cloudy with painkillers, but they’re open, and as I gently fold my fingers around her uninjured right hand, her cracked lips move.
“S-Sara?”
“It’s me, Mom.” The tears pour down my face unchecked, and I don’t bother wiping them away. I’m too relieved, too overjoyed.
After an entire night of touch-and-go, Mom has woken up.
“Here, drink.” I lift a cup with a straw to her lips, and she manages one sip before closing her eyes again.
I squeeze her hand and turn to Dad, who got to his feet behind me. His cheeks are wet as he stares at his wife.
“She’s going to be okay now, right?” His eyes are red-rimmed but hopeful as he glances at me, and I nod, not hiding my elation.
“Her vitals are stable and have been for th
