Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Lauren lay on the hospital bed, her heartbeat steady, and the oxygen mask removed. Despite this, every breath seemed laborious for her, her face drained of color. The delicate flutter of her lashes resembled a butterfly's wings.

"Lauren, don't be afraid. You're alright now. Grandpa is here. Your dad, Jasper, and Alyssa are here too. No one else can hurt you anymore." Newton held onto Lauren's hand tightly. Tears filled his eyes.

Jasper held his breath, his arms around Alyssa's waist, and he could feel her tensing up. Despite his own heartbreak, he stifled his emotions, refusing to break down in front of Lauren and their elders.

Lauren's eyes glistened with unshed tears. Just then, a single droplet slid down her pale cheek. She parted her chapped lips, but no sound emerged. She tried very hard to express herself but couldn't make a single sound.

"Dr. Lovelace, why can't Lauren speak all of a sudden?" Javier looked at Julien anxiously.

Julien furrowed his brows, considering the situation. "It appears to be functional aphasia."

"Aphasia?" The Becketts exclaimed in shock.

traumatic event, caused by extreme anxiety and mental distress," Alyssa explained

to help my granddaughter, Dr. Lovelace?"

it's serious, she may need

wiped the tears from his eyes. "Oh, dear Lord... Why does my granddaughter have to suffer through

comfort. Her gesture only deepened the

significantly ease her mental state and potentially lead to a drastic improvement in her condition," Julien remarked, his brow furrowing

understanding, a knowing smile playing on

"If all goes well."

Immediately, he asked, "I heard the few of you

Grandpa," Jasper responded