Naime’s chest tightened with a pain so sharp it felt like it was pulling her back into herself. She fought it for a moment, but the strange, insistent energy proved too strong. Slowly, she stopped struggling and let it carry her.
Her finger twitched. Diego, who had been hovering anxiously by the bed, shouted, “Mama! Mommy Naime is awake! I saw her fingers move!”
Auntie May, seated nearby, jumped to her feet and rushed to the mirror. As Diego had said, Naime’s fingers shifted slightly. Her forehead creased, and her eyelids flickered.
With urgency, Auntie May hurried out of the room to call the doctor. Three long months had passed since Naime had lain in this bed. Seeing any sign of life filled Auntie May with relief, especially with the mounting financial strain. Her savings had been spe
