(

Freya held Nicole’s trembling hands, her thumbs gently brushing away the tears that streaked down the older woman’s cheeks. Nicole had always carried herself with grace and authority, but now, sitting on the cold hospital bench with swollen eyes and shaking shoulders, she looked small—fragile in a way Freya had never seen before.

“It’s alright,” Freya whispered, her own throat tight with emotions. “He’s stronger than this. Mr Daniel will pull through.”

Nicole sniffled, ...