Olivia's POV

Waking up felt like emerging from a feverish nightmare, a haze of delusion that had clouded my mind. The memories of my ordeal were still sharp, every harrowing moment etched into my consciousness. There was no joy in my return to reality—only a heavy awareness of what I’d endured.

When the doctors finally permitted visitors, I was enveloped in the warmth of my daughter’s embrace, a solace only she could provide. “I missed you so much, Mommy,” Mia whispered, her face ...