Ava had difficulty opening her eyes. When she succeeded, two round faces flickered to watch her.

"I think Ava is awake. I saw her eyes peeking out earlier, and there was a little blink!" Emily described the movement with her index finger and thumb.

"But her eyelids haven't lifted yet, Emily. Oh? You're right. She's blinking again!" Louis looked back. "Uncle, Ava is awake!"

Jeremy appeared with furrowed eyebrows. "Ava? Can you hear me?" His hand stroked her shoulder, gently.

Ava groaned, ...