Ashley’s scream pierced the stillness as she rushed to her mother’s side, heart thundering in her chest. “Mom! What happened?” she cried, crouching beside her. But Tula didn’t answer. Her head lolled to one side, eyes closed. The pain had finally silenced her. And then, she was gone.
When Tula awoke, everything was white. The sharp scent of antiseptic stung her nose, and the steady beep of a monitor echoed in the sterile air. Her eyes fluttered open to find Ashley beside her, pale and sleepless, gripping the edge of the chair like it anchored her to hope.