Tracy's POV
“Maria,” I called out again, my hands trembling as I tapped her cheeks lightly. “Maria, it's Tracy. Please don't do this to me…,” my voice broke with every word. “I promised your Dad, I can't–” my words caught in my throat, tears blurring my vision.
Lin hovered behind me, silent and tense.
“Open your eyes, please!” I said desperately, shaking her body slightly in the process. At first nothing happened, but after a while a faint groan escaped her lips and her eyes fluttered open.
Maria's lips moved weakly. “T…Tracy?” Her voice barely above a whisper.
“Maria!” I breathed out in relief, fresh tears streaming down my cheeks as I held her closer. “It's me, thank goodness–”
Maria broke into a sob, wrapping her arms around my neck as tightly as her weakened state allowed. “I’m
