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.

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

help my granddaughter, Dr. Lovelace?" Newton asked, his voice

is tricky. If it's serious, she may need

felt faint. Newton wiped the tears from his eyes. "Oh,

speak, Lauren squeezed Newton's hand tightly, offering silent comfort. Her gesture only deepened the sorrow felt by everyone

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

with understanding, a knowing smile playing on her lips. She grasped Julien's implication with a single

"If all goes well."

lit up. Immediately, he asked, "I heard the few of you talking outside just now. Is

he is, Grandpa," Jasper responded