Naime hovered in a hazy, liminal space, trapped between consciousness and the sterile brightness of the hospital room. She could see her own body lying still, pale against the crisp white sheets, and she willed herself to wake. Her heart ached with a helpless longing she could not express.
The next day, Auntie May and Diego arrived. Auntie May sank into the sofa, her hands trembling slightly as she clasped them in her lap. Her eyes were red and glistened with unshed tears, evidence of sleepless nights spent worrying. Diego bounded into the room, his small hands clutching a notebook plastered with glittering star stickers.
“Mommy, look!” he exclaimed, his eyes wide and bright with pride. “I got so many stars because Teacher Sara said I’m doing great with my homework.”
Naime felt a pang o
