AUTHOR POINT OF VIEW

Vanya sat beside Maddie’s bed, her fingers locked tightly around her mother’s cold hand. Maddie hadn’t woken up since she was brought here. Her breathing was shallow… Every time her chest moved, Vanya prayed it wouldn’t be the last.

Her own heart felt like it was slipping down her throat.

“M... Mother,” she whispered, brushing her shaky thumb over Maddie’s knuckles. “Wake up… please. I can’t do this alone.”

The room was dim, the only light came ...