The Choice That Burns

The world stopped breathing.

Vera stared at the screen, every muscle locked, every thought splintered around a single image—Vanessa’s tear-streaked face, eyes wide with fear, her small hands pressed against a glass wall she didn’t understand.

“Mama?” Vanessa whispered into the camera.

The sound of her daughter’s voice ripped straight through Vera’s chest.

“No,” Vera said hoarsely. “No… no, no, no.”

Nicolas was already beside her, fury blazing ...